HnTuh  /t.liM#*jf. 


N%         V       '^       ^ 


^- 


Tlit'  Story  about  the  Bird. 


Page  25vt 


VIOLA; 


OR,  THE 


TRIUMPHS  OF  LOVE  AND  FAITH. 


%  Calt  of  ^Itrts  nnb  (Sounttrplote. 


BY 

WILLIAM  EARLE  BINDER, 

Author  of  "  Madelon  Ilawley,  or  The  Jesuit  and  his  Victim,"  etc.,  eta 


H.    DAYTON,    PUBLISHER, 

36    HOWARD   STREET. 

INDUNAPOLIS,    IND.  : ASHER  &  COMPANY. 

1859. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1858,  by 

EVANS   &   CO., 

In  the  Clerk  s  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States,  for  the 

Southern   District  of  New  York. 


J  .      J .     REED, 
PRINTKR  fc  STKRKOTYPBRj 

43  Centre-St.,  N.  Y. 


C  0  N  T  E  N  r  S. 


CHAPTER  I 
THE  OLD  MAN3I0N   HOUSE.       -----♦.         7 

CHAPTER  II. 
VIOLA  HASTINGS  AND  HER  JESUIT  UNCLE.  -  -  -  -      12 

CHAPTER  III. 

BEGINNING  OF  TROUBLE. — VIOLA    AT   THE    CONVENT    SCHOOL. 

SCHEMES  TO  INDUCE  HER  TO  TAKE  THE  VAIL.  -  -  -      23 

CHAPTER  IV. 

VIOLA  STILL  AT  IHE  CONVENT  SCHOOL.'^THE  PLOT  THICKEN- 
ING.— FALSE  REPRESENTATIONS. — Tjffe  FORGED  LETTER.  -      27 

CHAPTER  V. 

THE  JESUIT  REVEALS  HIS  PLANS  TO  THE  SUPERIOR  OF  THE 
CONVENT  SCHOOL,  AND  DIRECTS  HER  HOW  TO  ACT  WITH 
VIOLA  DURING  THE  ENSUING  YEAR.     -  -  -  -  -      42 

CHAPTER  VI. 
THE  FOKGED  LETTER  AGAIN. — VIOLa's  GRIEF.  -  -  -      47 

CHAPTER  VII. 

END  OF  ANOTHER  YEAR.— THE  JESUIT    AGAIN    AT    TH^    CONVENT 

SCHOOL. VIOLA  GOES  TO  MT.  CARMEL.  -  -  -  -      51 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

VIOLA     AT    MT.    CARMEL. THE    BREAKING   OUT    OF    THE    FEVER 

IN  THE  SOUTH.    .----.•--54 


iv  Contents, 


CHAPTER  IX.  ^ 

THE  FEVER  HOSPITAL. — VIOLa's  PATIENT.  -  -  -  -      67 

CHAPTER  X. 

VIOLA     AND     HER      LOVER. — THE     SPY. — THE    SUMMONS. — THE 

WATCH. — VIOLA  SENT  BACK  TO  MT.  CARMEL.  -  -  -      67 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Kenneth's  new  nurse. — the  discovery. — the  counter- 
plot.     ------.---71 

CHAPTER  XII. 

departure     of     viola     for      MT.     CARMEL. — SCIPIO      IX      HER 

TRACKS. KENNETH  CONVALESCENT.    -  -  -  -  -      80 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

VIOLA  AT  MT.  CARMEL. — INTERVIEW  WITH  HER  UNCLE. — GOING 

BACK  TO  THE  OLD  MANSION  HOUSE.        -  -  -  -  -      85 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
ON  THE  WAY. — THE  ENCOUNTER  ON  THE  ROAD.         -  -  -      94 

CHAPTER  XV. 

KENNETH  AT  MT.  CARMEL. — ANOTHER  SPY.         -  -  *  -    -96 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

VIOLA  A  PRISONER  AT  THE  PRIESt's  HOUSE  IN  BALTIMORE. — THE 
LAY  JESUIT  AND  THE  TWO  PRIESTS  CONSPIRING  AGAINST 
KENNETH.  ---------    103 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

THE  DKCOY. — THE    ATTEMPTED  ASSASSINATION.  -  •  -   108 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 
viola's  letter. — THE  STRANGE  CARRIER.         .  -  -  -    116 


Contents, 


CPIAPTER  XIX. 
Kenneth's  escape.      -        -        -        - 

CHAPTER  XX. 

KENNETH^S  SPECULATIONS.     -  -  - 


-124 


128 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

DELIVERY  OF  VIOLa's  LETTER  BY  THE  STRANGE  CARRIER.  -    132 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

KENNETH    PURCHASES    THE    NEGRO    SCIPIO,  TO    AID    HIM    IN    HIS 

ENTERPRISE.     -----  --.    139 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

VIOLA  AT  THE  OLD  MANSION  HOUSE.  -  -  -  -    146 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

RUPTURE  BETVV^EEN  VIOLA  AND  HER  UNCLE. — THE  JESUIT  AN- 
NOUNCES TO  HIS  NIECE  THE  DEATH  OF  KENNETH. — THE  YOUNG 
girl's  GRIEF.    ---------    149 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

THE  JESUIT  AND  HIS  SON. — THE  CONSULTATION. — THE  PLOT  TO 
GET  RID  OF  VIOLA  AND  SECURE  HER  FORTUNE. — FATHER 
AND  SON  SECRETLY  ARRAYED  AGAINST  EACH  OTHER. — VIOLA 
STILL  TO  BE  THE  SUFFERER  WHICH  EVER  TRIUMPHS.    -  -    157 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

INTERVIEW     BETWEEN     TF1E     TWO     COUSINS,     FERDINAND     AND 

VIOLA. — THE  PROPOSAL  OF  MARRIAGE. — ITS  REJECTION.  -    168 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

THE  JESUIT  AND  FATHER  RENOUF. — THE  DECOY  LETTER. — THE 

JESUIT  TRAPPED. -  177 


vi  Contents. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

KEXNETH  EGERTON  AND  5CIPI0  IX  PHILADELPHIA. — MORE 
COUNTERPLOTTING. —  DEPARTURE  OF  THE  JESUIT.  FATHER 
HENOUFj  AND  FERDINAND  FROM  THE  OLD  MANSION. — ARRIVAL 
or  KENNETH  AND  SCIPIO. — PREPARATIONS  TO  RESCUE  VIOLA.    193 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 
viola's  RELEASE  NEARLY  ACCOMPLISHED.  ...  -    209 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

viola's    ESCAPE    CONTINUED. — ALMOST   DISCOVERED. — FREE   AT 

LAST. — CROSSING  THE  SCHUYLKILL.       -  -  -  -  •   218 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

THE  JESUIT,  FERDINAND,  AND  FATHER  RENOUF  ON  THEIR  WAY 
TO  THE  CITV. — THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  TRICK. — RETURN  TO 
THE  OLD  MANSION  HOUSE. — CROSSING  THE  SCHUYLKILL. — 
COLLISION  BETWEEN  THE  BOATS.  -----   230 

CHAPTER  XXXII. 

THE  RENCOUNTER  ON  THE  SCHUYLKILL. — THE  STRUGGLE. — GO- 
ING OVER  THE  DAM. — DEATH  OF  THE  JESUIT  AND  FERDI- 
NAND.— ESCAPE  OF  VIOLA,  KENNETH,  AND  SCIPlO.  -  -   245 

CHAPTER  XXXIIJ. 

TEN  YEARS  AFTER. — HAPPINESS. — VIOLA  A  WIFE  AND  MOTHER. 

REMINISCENCES.       --------   257 


VIOLA    HASTINGS. 


CHAPTER   I. 

THK    OLD    MANSION-HOUSE. 

In  the  year  18 — ,  there  stood  upon  the  banks  of  the 
river  Schuylkill,  nearly  opposite  what  is  now  the 
northern  suburbs  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  an  old- 
time  mansion  house,  the  property  of  one  Pedro 
Torillo  ;  and.  at  the  time  of  which  we  write,  occupied 
by  himself  and  family. 

The  building  was  quite  large,  and  was  constructed 
of  rough  gray  stone  ;  and  everything  about  it — walls, 
doors,  windows,  etc. — were  of  the  most  massive  and 
substantial  character.  It  stood  upon  an  elevated 
piece  of  ground,  and  was  approached  from  the  direct 
road  to  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  by  a  broad  and  spa- 
cious, though  tortuous  avenue,  at  the  entrance  to 
which  was  the  porter^s  lodge.  From  the  public  road 
the  mansion  was  not  visible,  the  surrounding  forest 
completely  concealing  it  from  view.  From  the  east 
Bide,  the  descent  from  the  house — which  faced  to  the 


Viola  Hasfinrjs ;  01% 


south — was  by  a  steep  hill,  at  the  bottom  of  which 
the  rippling  Schuylkill  flowed  gently  along.  From 
the  off-side  of  the  river,  and  the  opposite  shore,  the 
upper  portions  only  of  the  mansion  house  were  to  be 
seen.  From  the  narrow  beach  at  the  bottom  of  the 
hill,  however,  the  whole  of  the  east  side  of  the  house 
was  pretty  visible,  the  sight  being  only  partly  ob- 
scured by  the  trunks  of  the  trees  which  lined  the 
declivity.  From  the  stream,  or  the  opposite  shore, 
the  foliage  of  the  trees,  in  summer,  intervened  to  mar 
the  view.  In  the  winter  the  prospect  was  better. 
On  the  north  and  south  ends,  and  on  the  west  side, 
the  small  clearing,  in  the  centre  of  which  the  build- 
ing stood,  was  completely  hemmed  in  by  the  primeval 
forest. 

The  mansion  comprised  one  large  building,  con- 
structed in  the  ancient  castellated  style  ;  and  a  num- 
ber of  smaller  ones,  rather  irregular  in  form  and  size, 
which  had  once  served,  in  its  more  prosperous  days, 
for  barns,  granaries,  stables,  etc.  These  latter  were 
evidently,  however,  of  far  more  modern  construction 
than  the  principal  building — which  exhibited  all  the 
marks  of  a  very  ancient  origin — and  seemed  to  have 
been  put  iip  without  any  very  great  regard  to  either 
symmetry  or  effect.  The  eye  could  not  fail  to  per- 
ceive, however,  that  the  whole  collection  of  buildings 
was  admirably  adapted,  both  in  strength  and  con- 
struction, for  defence.     Whether  they  had  ever  been 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  9 

the  scene  of  warfare,  we  are  not  prepared  to  say. 
That  they  had  not  been  immediately  before,  nor  were 
after  the  date  of  this  narrative,  is  certain  ;  f  jr  not 
many  years  subsequent  to  the  occurrence  of  those 
events  which  it  is  now  our  province  to  relate,  the  old 
building  was  razed  to  the  ground. 

As  we  have  stated,  the  main  building  was  large, 
and  constructed  of  rough  gray  stone,  which  gave  it 
the  appearance  of  a  rude  fortification.  And  we 
doubt  not  but  that  such  was  the  design  of  the  origi- 
nal founder — a  Spanish  grandee,  and  the  great  grand- 
father of  the  present  occupant — who  fled  his  native 
country,  and  made  his  home  in  the  then  wilds  of 
America,  having  rendered  himself  politically  obnox- 
ious to  his  own  government. 

The  turrets  of  the  house — or,  more  properly  speak- 
ing, castle — which  rose  one  above  the  other,  were 
lofty  ;  and  though  almost  entirely  concealed  from 
outside  observation,  by  the  surrounding  forest,  they 
yet  afforded  to  the  occupants  an  excellent  view  of  the 
city  of  Philadelphia,  and  the  contiguous  country. 

The  principal  door  of  entrance,  which  was  very 
large,  massive,  and  deeply  set  in  the  wall,  was  reached 
by  a  flight  of  some  half-a-dozen  rough  stone  steps.  The 
door  opened  into  a  spacious  hall,  and  opposite  it,  at 
the  north  end,  was  a  flight  of  heavy  winding  stairs, 
which  communicated  with  the  upper  portions  of  the 
building.     On  either  side  of  the  hall,  on  the  lower 


10  Viola  Hastings;  or, 


floor,  were  the  parlors,  drawing-rooms,  dining-room, 
kitchen,  etc.  The  east  wing  of  the  building,  facing 
the  Schuylkill,  consisted,  on  the  second  floor,  of  the 
dancing  saloon,  and  on  the  third  floor,  of  chambers. 
In  the  west  wing  was  the  chapel,  the  armory,  the 
library,  etc.  The  chapel  was  modelled  after  the  style 
of  the  Romish  Cathedrals,  and  was  gorgeous  in  its 
images,  and  crosses,  and  showy  trappings.  The  ar- 
mory was  well  supplied  with  implements  and  muni- 
tions of  war,  sufficient  to  have  armed  and  accoutered 
a  whole  regiment. 

It  had  always  been  the  custom  with  the  proprietors 
of  this  ancient  mansion  house,  to  maintain  within  its 
walls  a  priest,  whose  exclusive  duty  it  was  to  officiate 
in  the  little  chapel  on  high-days  and  holy-days  ;  and 
at  other  times  to  devote  his  attention  to  smoothing 
the  way  through  purgatory,  for  those  who,  doubtless, 
very  frequently  needed  his  ghostly  ministrations. 
That  was,  however,  when  the  family  was  plentifully 
supplied  with  gold.  The  present  proprietor — to 
whom,  of  course,  the  estate  had  descended  by  entail- 
ment, and  to  the  share  of  w^hose  eldest  son  it  would 
fall  at  his  death — possessed  but  a  small  modicum  of 
the  world^s  goods  ;  and  though  quite  as  good  a  Catho- 
lic as  his  more  fortunate  predecessors — as  will  ap- 
pear— he  was  compelled  either  to  officiate  himself — 
for  he,  too,  kept  up  all  the  customs  of  the  Holy 
Church — or  be  content  with  the  occasional  presence 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  11 

of  one  of  the  fathers  from  the  city.  Sometimes,  how- 
ever, the  chapel  organ  would  peal  forth  wild  and 
exultant  strains,  and  the  sonorous  voice  of  some  glib- 
tongued  priest  fill  the  little  place  with  prayers  and 
supplications,  which  were  rather  a  mockery,  than  an 
offering  to  the  Lord  of  Hosts. 

More  frequently,  however,  the  old  armory  would 
ring  with  the  clash  of  swords,  or  resound  with  the 
sharp  crack  of  fire-arms  ;  and  not  unfrequently  the 
dancing  saloon  would  be  filled  with  light  and  music, 
and  echo  to  the  shuflBiing  of  many  feet. 

For  a  few  years  prior  to  the  opening  of  the  present 
narrative,  however,  all  these  sounds  and  sights  had 
gradually  been  heard  and  seen  less  ;  until  at  length 
they  ceased  entirely.  In  consequence  of  the  habita- 
tions being  very  scarce  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of 
the  old  mansion  house,  the  continuance  or  discon- 
tinuance of  these  things  did  not  attract  much  atten- 
tion, or  create  any  very  great  degree  of  remark. 
Some,  who  noticed  the  change,  wondered  a  little,  and 
then  thought  no  more  of  the  matter. 

With  this  description  of  the  "  great  house,"  as  it 
was  then  termed,  we  will  turn  now  to  those  who  oc- 
cupied it ;  the  scheming,  cheating,  hypocritical,  un- 
scrupulous Jesuit — his  dissipated,  reckless,  and  deep* 
ly  sinful  dOn  ;  and  the  pure,  innocent,  gentle  maiden, 
unsullied  and  stainless  in  word,  thought  and  deed. 


12  Viola  Hastings;  or, 


CHAPTER   ir. 

VIOLA    HASTINGS    AND    HER    JESUIT    UNCLE. 

Pedro  Torillo,  the  hereditary  proprietor  of  the 
aforesaid  estate,  was,  as  we  have  already  stated,  of 
Spanish  origin.  Of  his  pedigree,  or  position,  little 
more  need  be  said.  Of  his  appearance,  character, 
and  disposition,  however,  something  further  is  de- 
manded. 

Imagine  a  man  some  sixty  odd  years  of  age,  short 
of  stature,  reasonably  stout,  and  of  good  general  pro- 
portions ;  with  a  bend  in  the  upper  part  of  his  body 
that  always  caused  his  head  to  project  several  inches 
too  much  forward,  and  which  compelled  him  to  look 
up  under  his  eyebrows  when  he  addressed  a  person 
who  stood  erect.  The  skin  of  his  face  and  hands 
was  of  a  saffron  hue,  dry,  crisp,  and  much  wrinkled. 
The  entire  top  of  his  head  was  bald,  while  the  gray 
hairs  which  lined  his  temples  and  the  back  part  of 
his  head,  were  long,  spare  and  straggling.  His  eyes 
were  small,  black  and  piercing  ;  and  were  surmount- 
ed by  large,  thick,  and  heavy  gray  eyebrows.     Clad 


The  Triumph  of  Love  ami  Faith,  13 

always  in  sombre  black,  and  in  the  ancient  style — 
breeches,  silk  stockings,  and  silver  buckled  shoes 
— he  was  a  man  once  seen  to  be  forever  remembered  ; 
though  not  probably  with  any  very  agreeable  emotions. 

With  the  estate,  Pedro  Torillo  had  also  inherited 
the  religion — if  to  call  it  so  is  not  a  misnomer — of  his 
forefathers  ;  and  all  their  deep-seated  and  besotted 
hatred  of  the  Protestants.  His  hot,  Spanish  blood, 
admitted  of  no  modification  of  his  feelings,  and  con- 
sequently he  hated  intensely,  and  with  all  his  heart. 
Besides  which,  there  was  with  him  the  greater  induce- 
ment of  impious  oaths,  and  unhallowed  obligations, 
such  as  only  the  iron  tyranny  of  the  Church  of  Rome 
.  is  monstrous  enough  to  impose  on  its  followers.  He 
was  a  Jesuit,  too  ;  and  an  uncompromising  follower, 
in  the  temporal  sense,  especially  in  the  footsteps  of 
Ignatius  Loyola. 

Wonder  not  when  we  say  he  was  a  Jesuit !  It  is 
an  erroneous  conclusion  people  have  formed  that  all 
Jesuits  must  necessarily  be  officiating  priests.  Ac- 
cording to  the  books  of  the  founder  of  that  powerful 
organization — whose  object  was  more  to  obtain  tem- 
poral than  spiritual  power,  though  the  latter  was 
necessary  to  the  former — the  society  of  Jesus  con- 
sists of  those  both    in    and    out  of  orders.*     The 

*  It  was  not  contemplated  to  make  the  Society  of  Jesus  a  strictly  religious  one 
—nor  IS  it  so.  Its  founders  had  other  objects  in  view,  as  well  of  a  temporal  as 
of  a  spiritual  character  ;  and  therefore  is  the  injunction  given  to  its  memberf 


14  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 

latter,  however,  are  seldom  known  as  such  ;  and 
through  them  all  necessary  information  is  speedily 
and  secretly  obtained. 

Unquestionably  the  Order  of  Jesus  is  the  most  se- 
cret, binding,  and  world-wide  organization  that  was 
ever  conceived.  And  Catholicism,  aiming  always  at 
universal  dominion,  temporal  and  spiritual,  finds  in 
Jesuitism  its  principal,  and  most  efficient  co-laborer. 
The  world  is  girdled  by  the  Order  ;  and  there  is  not 
a  spot  but  harbors  its  hidden  emissaries.  At  the 
foot  of  every  throne,  and  beneath  the  roof  of  every 
hut,  figuratively  speaking,  there  lurks  a  Jesuit  spy.^ 

*'  to  live  among  other  men  as  other  men  do^  And  why  7  That  they  might 
the  better  spy  out  the  internal  workings  of  men's  thoughts  and  actions — the 
better  plan  out  their  schemes  of  aggrandizement  and  power.  What  a  volume 
of  deceit  and  treachery  does  that  one  simple  charge  unfold  !  And  who  doubts 
but  that  they  do  "  live  among  other  men  as  other  men  do  ?"  unknown  and  un- 
watched,  and  therefore  the  more  dangerous  and  the  more  to  be  feared. 

Four  classes,  or  degrees,  compose  the  Society,  the  highest  of  which  are  priests ; 
the  second  are  styled  coadjutors,  and  are  employed  in  matters  either  spiritual 
or  temporal.  The  third  class  is  that  of  scholars — youths  who,  prior  to 
entering  the  Jesuit  school,  assume  three  vows,  and  bina  themselves  to  enter 
the  service  of  the  Society,  if  required.  The  fourth  class — the  lowest  in  their 
gradation — consists  of  novices.  The  term  of  the  novitiate  is  two  years,  more 
or  less,  at  the  discretion  of  the  Superior. 

*In  1540,  Paul  III.  officially  recognized  the  Order  ;  and  from  that  time  it 
continued  to  >}'read,  until  at  length  its  power  and  influence  grew  to  be  almost 
fabulous.  Within  Ihe  space  of  a  few  years  "  Houses  of  the  Order"  were  firmly 
established  in  Spain,  Portugal,  France,  Germany,  Italy,  Sicily  and  India,  and 
even  at  that  early  day,  beyond  the  limits  of  the  Komish  Church.  The  rapidity 
of  its  progress  baa  ever  been  unequalled,  and  can  only  be  accounted  for  by  its 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  15 

It  is  confidently  asserted — and  the  declaration,  at 
least,  can  easily  be  substantiated — that  not  many 
years  since  a  Jesuit  occupied  for  a  considerable  period 
the  pulpit  of  an  Episcopalian  church  in  the  city  of 
New  York,  having  designedly  assumed  a  name  and 
character  to  mislead  those  with  whom  he  was  asso- 
ciated.*    Now  if  that  man^s  object  does  not  plainly 

mysterious  fascination,  and  the  vail  of  religious  bigotry  and  fanaticism  which 
enveloped  those  portions  of  the  globe  Tvhere  its  course  was  most  marked.  At 
this  time,  too,  colleges  were  organized  in  various  parts  of  Europe.  These  insti- 
tutions of  learning  were  designed  for  the  "  religious  and  secular  instruction  of 
children,  and  for  restoring  a  catholic  belief  among  apostate  nations."  France, 
however,  stood  aloof ;  not  from  any  dislike  to  the  Society  itself,  but  through 
fear  thfit  beneath  the  surface  some  Spanish  plot  might  be  concealed.  Once  con- 
vinced that  its  surmises  were  erroneous,  and  France  rapidly  grew  to  bo  the 
principal  theatre  of  its  exploits.  As  an  evidence  of  the  cunning  of  the  Society. 
however,  we  would  mention  that  even  at  that  time,  when  the  French  nation 
was  most  determinedly  set  against  the  admission  of  Jesuitism  on  its  soil,  a 
prosperous  and  powerful  college  had  been  established,  and  was  in  full  blast 

*  The  editor  of  the  New  York  National  Magazine^  in  an  article  which  ap- 
peared a  year  or  so  since,  headed — "  A  Jesuit  in  an  American  Protes- 
tant Pulpit,"  said  : — 

The  respected  correspondent  who  asks  our  authority  for  asserting  thnt  one  of 
the  predecessors  of  Dr.  Tyng,  in  the  rectorship  of  St.  Georges,  was  a  Jesuit  in 
disguise,  is  referred  to  the  life  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Milnor,  by  Rev.  John  S.  Stone, 
published  by  the  American  Tract  Society  in  1848.  At  page  316  of  that  vol- 
ume is  an  extract  from  Dr.  Milnor's  Journal  while  in  England,  of  which  the 
following  is  a  copy  : 

*'  In  the  course  of  our  conversation  a  curious  fact  was  developed  in  relation 
to  Dr.  Kewley,  my  predecessor  in  St.  Georges.  Mr.  Mayer  said  that  he  had 
seen  him  in  Italy,  and  was  well  acquainted  with  him.  He  passes  here  by  the 
name  of  Father  Kewley  ;  but  Mr.  Mayer  says  he  knows  his  true  name  to  be 
Lawson.  He  has  no  doubt  that  Dr.  Kewley  was  a  Jesuit  during  the  whole 
time  of  his  reHdence  in  America.^  ^ 


16  Viola  Hastings  ;  or^ 

appear  we  are  strangely  mistaken.  If  he  was  not 
endeavoring  to  aid  in  some  secret  combination,  what 
could  have  been  his  object  ? 

In  politics  especially — for  therein  consists  the  se- 
cret of  all  power — Jesuitism  has  always  sought  to, 
and  in  Europe  has  generally  succeeded  in  holding 
the  winning  hand.  Its  temporal  power  is  the  foun- 
dation stone  of  the  whole  vast  superstructure,  and 
the  uppermost  idea  embodied  in  its  laws.  By  that 
means  it  seeks  to  aid  Catholicism  in  disseminating 
the  religion — mockery  !  mockery  ! — of  the  idolatrous 
Church  of  the  seven  hills.  And  as  in  Europe,  so 
here — as  in  times  past,  so  now. 

The  Romish  Church — let  who  will  cry  out.  No — 
has  a  longing,  avaricious  eye  fixed  unwaveringly  on 
this  fair  land  of  America  ;  and  in  furtherance  of  this 
grasping  desire,  Jesuitism,  the  hand-maid  of  the 
Scarlet  Woman,*  has  its  members,  its  agents,  and  its 
spies,  scattered  throughout  the  length  and  breadth 
of  the  country. 

Who  knows,  indeed,  but  that  here  in  our  midst 
the  ^'General"  of  the  Order — he  whom  all,  from  the 

*  In  1537  the  Society  was  reorganized  at  Venice.  It  then  consist?d  of  but 
nine  persons,  and  for  their  better  protection  "  it  was  resolved  that  they  should 
present  themselves  before  the  sovereign  pontiff,  Paul  III.,  proffering  to  the 
Apostolic  See,  themselves  without  condition — their  bodies,  souls,  and  utmost 
services,  to  be  disposed  of  for  the  good  of  the  Church,  in  whatever  manner 
should  be  judged  the  most  conducive  to  that  end."  The  petition  of  the  mem- 
bers was  granted,  and  an  unlimited  license  bestowed  upon  their  conduct. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  17 


humble  neophyte  to  the  full  degreed  member,  are 
sworn  blindly  and  implicitly  to  obey — may  be  quar- 
tered ?  Who  knows  but  that  here  in  our  very  midst, 
this  dangerous  organization  may  hold  its  periodical 
gatherings,  when  are  collected  together  its  represen- 
tatives and  agents  from  all  quarters  of  the  globe  ? 
And  who  knows  ?  who  can  fathom  the  plots  and  in- 
trigues which  are  then  and  there  concocted  against 
the  government,  and  the  religion  of  the  meek  and 
lowly  Jesus  ?  We  can  but  guess  at  them  by  watching 
and  studying  the  course  of  human  events.  Of  one 
thing,  however,  we  may  feel  certain,  and  that  is,  that 
nothing  good  or  wholesome  for  a  liberal,  enlightened, 
and  Protestant  Republic,  ever  emanated  from  the 
darkened  soul  of  a  Romish  Jesuit. 

Of  this  powerful  and  dangerous  Order  was  Pedro 
Torillo  ;  though  but  few,  outside  of  the  association, 
were  fcimiliar  with  the  fact.  In  society  he  was  affa- 
ble, polite,  and  courteous  ;  and  to  the  observing  eye, 
he  frequently  appeared  far  too  much  so.  In  his  own 
house,  however,  when  no  prying  eye  was  there  to  see 
and  report  his  conduct,  he,  very  often,  gave  full  play 
to  his  violent,  stubborn,  and  overbearing  disposition. 
Even  to  those  of  his  own  class,  who  were  beneath 
him,  he  was  cruel  and  tyrannical  to  an  extreme ; 
while  to  his  equals  and  superiors  he  was  fawning, 
hypocritical,  and  sycophantic. 

Just  before  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  of  Inde- 


18  Viola  Sasiiiigs  ;  or, 

pendence,  Pedro,  then  quite  a  lad,  departed  on  a  visit 
to  the  land  of  his  fathors.  He  did  not  return  again 
to  this  country  until  the  conclusion  of  peace,  Avhen 
he  brought  with  him  a  Spanish  wife,  a  very  beautiful 
woman.  While  absent,  his  father — his  only  remain- 
ing parent — had  died,  and  the  estate  came  into  his 
possession  by  entailment.  His  father,  however,  had 
left  him  little  else,  which  Pedro,  to  his  chagrin,  soon 
discovered ;  for  he  was  a  youth  addicted  to  every 
description  of  debauchery  and  dissipation.  By  gam- 
ing and  chicanery,  however,  he  managed  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  to  replenish  his  consumptive  coffers. 
As  age  began  to  creep  over  his  head,  he,  in  a  measure, 
dropped  these  pursuits,  and  grew  to  be  as  we  have 
already  described  him.  It  was  at  this  time  that  he 
became  associated  with  the  Society  of  Jesus  ;  though, 
as  will  be  seen,  he  did  not,  in  his  zeal  for  the  Church, 
overlook  his  own  private  personal  ends.  He  rather 
blended  the  two  together,  and  made  it  a  common 
cause. 

The  fruit  of  his  marriage  was  one  son,  who  will 
figure  somewhat  conspicuously  in  this  brief,  but 
eventful  narrative.  The  wife,  however,  disappeared 
very  suddenly  some  few  years  after  they  had  come  to 
reside  at  the  old  mansion,  and  was  never  again  heard 
of.  Torillo  gave  out  that  the  climate  of  this  country 
was  not  good  for  her  health,  and  she  had  gone  home 
to  her  native  land  to  reside  with  her  people.    This 


The  Triumph  of  Love  aiid  Faith.  19 

story  was  generally  credited,  for  Pedro,  as  we  have 
remarked,  was  a  very  specious  and  plausible  man. 
He  could  talk  and  act,  when  anything  was  to  be 
gained,  or  any  disagreeable  impression  corrected, 
above  and  beyond  all  suspicion. 

Ferdinand  Torillo,  Pedro's  son,  was  born  some  few 
months  after  the  arrival  of  his  parents  on  these  shores. 
In  consequence  of  the  sudden  and  mysterious  disap- 
pearance of  his  mother  a  few  years  later,  he  was  early 
left  to  the  sole  guidance  of  his  father,  who  gradually 
instilled  into  his  mind  a  large  proportion  of  his  own 
villainous  disposition  and  feelings.  At  the  period  to 
which  we  now  have  particular  reference,  Ferdinand 
was  just  entering  his  fortieth  year,  and  it  may  be 
safely  asserted  that  the  general  characteristics  of  his 
conduct  and  disposition  were  as  like  his  father's,  at 
the  same  age,  as  like  could  be.  Quite  prepossessing 
in  his  personal  appearance,  and  finished  in  his  de- 
portment generally,  few  would  ever  have  supposed 
him  to  be  at  bottom  really  so  corrupt,  unprincipled, 
and  wicked.  His  Spanish  origin  was  plainly  discerni- 
ble in  his  swarthy  complexion,  deep  black  hair  and 
eyes,  glittering  white  teeth,  and  muscular  but  grace- 
ful form.  And  he  too — though  not  like  his  father  a 
secret  emissary  of  the  Society  of  Jesus* — was  a  zeal- 

*  Says  a  reliable  writer  upon  the  subject — "  Every  Jesuit  is  a  spy  upon  every 
Jesuit ;  a  net  work  of  perfidy  embraces  the  entire  community,  and  from  its 
meshes  not  even  those  highest  in  authority  stand  for  a  moment  clear.''     And 


20  Viola  Hastings;  or^ 

ous,  bigoted,  and  uncompromising  Catholic  ;  ready 
at  all  times,  and  under  all  circumstances,  to  stoop  to 
any  means  to  further  his  own  ends,  or  advance  the 
general  interests  of  the  Mother  Church. 

Besides  Pedro,  and  his  son  Ferdinand,  one  other 
important  person  dwelt  beneath  the  roof  of  the 
ancient  mansion  house.     That  was  Yiola  Hastings. 

The  mother  of  Viola  Hastings  was  Pedro  Torillo's 
only  sister.  In  her  youth  and  beauty  she  had  wedded 
an  American  gentleman  named  Horace  Hastings,  a 
Southerner  of  immense  wealth  ;  and  who,  like  herself, 
was  a  member — though  not  a  very  strict  one — of  the 
Roman  Church.  Not  many  years  subsequent  to  the 
birth  of  Viola,  her  father  was  accidentally  killed; 
and  still  a  few  years  later,  while  yet  our  heroine  was 
but  a  child,  the  mother,  after  a  brief  and  severe  ill- 
ness, departed  this  life. 

The  sister,  of  course,  placed  implicit  confidence  in 
her  brother,  nor  ever  harbored  the  thought  that  any- 
thing could  induce  him  to  prove  unkind  to  his  own 
kin  ;  and  so  the  young  girl  and  her  splendid  fortune 
were  alike  consigned  to  the  guardianship  of  Pedro 
Torillo.     This  was  when  Viola  was  in  her  tenth  year. 

not  only  are  ihey  spies  upon  each  other,  but  upon  oi  tside  individuals  and  gov- 
ernments ;  and  whatever  was  the  effect  originally  designed  by  this  system  of 
espionage^  in  the  present  day,  and  under  the  present  circumstances,  it  opens 
the  door  to  most  mischievous  consequences,  and  places  within  the  reach  of  un- 
scrupulous and  rascally  men  tho  means  of  gratifying  every  passion  end  desira, 
^o  matter  hofw  dangerous  or  wicked. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  21 

For  the  five  years  following,  the  budding,  dreaming 
girl  lived  quietly — for  to  her  Torillo  never  exhibited 
any  of  the  violence  of  his  disposition — at  the  old 
mansion  house  ;  seldom  going  abroad,  and  when  she 
did,  never  unattended.  To  her  unsophisticated,  un- 
awakened  mind,  this  surveillance  meant  nothing  but 
a  very  natural  and  commendable  desire  to  shield  her 
from  personal  harm.  She  was  too  young,  and  felt  too 
secure,  to  fathom  the  designs,  which  from  the  very 
moment  of  her  first  entrance  into  the  house,  had 
taken  possession  of  her  nucleus  brain. 

At  fifteen  years  of  age,  according  to  a  binding  obli- 
gation which  he  had  made  to  his  dying  sister,  Pedro 
Torillo  carried  his  niece  to  a  Catholic  Seminary,  in 
Maryland.  But  even  this  he  resolved  to  turn  to  ac- 
count, in  a  manner  which  will  shortly  appear.  One 
so  fruitful  in  schemes  was  seldom  at  a  loss. 

Three  years  after,  when  Viola  was  eighteen — at 
about  which  time  we  shall  first  introduce  the  reader 
at  the  old  mansion  house — she  was  suddenly  and 
eecretly — in  the  latter  respect  as  much  so  as  was  at 
all  possible — conveyed  back  to  her  uncle's  estate  on 
the  Schuylkill.  The  reason  for  this  change,  and  other 
matters  which  had  intervened,  will  be  explained  here- 
after. 

At  fifteen  years  of  age  the  beauty  of  Viola's  person 
was  of  that  description  which  men  sometimes  dream 
of,  but  so  seldom  encounter  in  a  tangible  form.     The 


22  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

worshiping  painter  might  transfix  upon  his  canvas 
the  impression  of  her  exquisitely  symmetrical  form — 
the  soft  olive  hue  of  her  complexion — the  ripe  glow 
of  her  rounded  cheek — the  deep  red  of  her  perfectly 
cut  lip,  and  the  dazzling  whiteness  of  her  pearly 
teeth — for  she  was  of  a  Southern  stock,  and  such  ma- 
ture early  ; — he  might  present  some  idea  of  her  full, 
black,  liquid  eyes — picture  something  of  the  luxu- 
riant beauty  of  her  waving  black  hair  ;  but  for  the 
writer  to  attempt  it  with  nothing  but  mere  words, 
would  be  a  positive  waste  of  time.  With  Byron  we 
can  but  exclaim — 

"  Who  hath  not  proved  how  feebly  words  essay, 
To  fix  one  spark  of  beauty's  heavenly  ray  7" 

Added  to  these  gifts  of  person  was  the  more  lasting 
beauty  of  a  w^ell-informed  mind,  a  cultivated  taste, 
a  refined  and  correct  sympathy,  and  a  liberal  and  just 
appreciation  of  what  w^as  right  and  proper.  These 
feelings  were  not,  how^ever,  artificial ;  they  were 
created  with  her,  and  in  her,  and  time  but  served  to 
develop  their  power  and  beauty.  In  every  respect, 
as  all  will  see,  Viola  was  a  being  to  love  and  cherish. 

Besides  Pedro,  and  his  son  Ferdinand,  and  Viola, 
there  was  a  housekeeper,  and  several  other  male  and 
female  domestics  attached  to — and  they  were  perfect 
fixtures — the  old  mansion  ;  but  these  do  not,  at 
least,  at  present,  require  any  particular  description. 
Their  parts  in  the  succeeding  drama  are  at  best  but 
trifling. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith,  23 


CHAPTER    III. 

BEGINNING     OP     TROUBLE. — VIOLA    AT     THE     CONVENT    SCHOOL. 

SCHEMES    TO    INDUCE    HER    TO    TAKE    THE    VAIL. 

And  now,  reader,  we  will  go  back  to  the  time  w^hen 
Viola  first  left  her  uncle^s  house  on  the  banks  of  the 
Schuylkill.  She  was  then,  it  will  be  remembered, 
fifteen  years  of  age,  and  fast  ripening  into  that  per- 
fection of  mental  and  physical  beauty,  which  in  after 
years,  so  distinguished  her. 

In  due  time  Pedro  Torillo  and  his  niece  arrived  at 
the  Convent  School.  The  young  girl  was  immediate- 
ly introduced  to  her  associates  ;  and  while  she  was 
busy  making  their  acquaintance,  her  uncle  was  closet- 
ed with  the  Superior.  What  transpired  at  that  in- 
terview may  be  guessed  from  the  course  which  the 
latter  afterwards  pursued.  With  many  kind  admo- 
nitions, by  which  he  artfully  vailed  his  true  thoughts 
and  intentions,  the  plotting  Jesuit  at  length  bade  his 
beautiful  niece  farewell,  and  departed. 


24  Viola  Hastings;  cr, 


And  in  that  moment  appeared  the  cloud,  small  at 
first,  but  gradually  increasing  in  size,  which,  for  three 
years,  darkened  Viola's  pathway. 

From  the  first  hour  of  the  young  girl's  arrival  at 
the  Seminary,  she  was  treated  differently  from  the 
other  scholars.  They  were,  comparatively  speaking, 
free  ;  while  she,  on  the  contrary,  was  subjected  to  a 
regularly  organized  system  of  espionage,  delicate  and 
unobtrusive,  and  artfully  concealed,  it  is  true,  but 
none  the  less  comprehensive  and  certain.  Each  of 
the  Sisters  had  her  part  to  play — wherefore  they 
knew  not,  for  it  was  only  their  province  to  obey — 
and  they  set  about  their  tasks  immediately,  indiffer- 
ent alike  to  both  the  cause  and  the  effect. 

Either  the  Superior  or  one  of  her  saint-like  assist- 
ants was  continually  by  Viola's  side  ;  and  manifold 
^  were  the  glowung  panegyrics,  that,  on  all  possible 
^^g^casions,  w^ere  bestowed  on  the  blessed  life  of  those 
who  accepted  the  vail,  as  a  propitiation  for  their  own, 
and  the  sins  of  their  fellow-creatures.  The  conver- 
Bations,  and  other  movements  of  a  similar  character, 
were  managed  very  adroitly,  and  w^ith  a  view  to 
temper  the  young  girl's  mind  to  k  proper  condition 
to  receive  any  after  impression,  and  yet  so  as  not  to 
alarm  her  youthful  fancy.  Her  uncle's  object — and 
WG  might  as  well  state  it  here  as  elsewhere — was  to 
induce  her  to  retire  to  a  Convent ;  and  the  means  to 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  25 

be  used  in  accomplishing  that  result  were  deceit, 
deception,  hypocrisy. 

Viola,  it  is  true,  was  born  of  Catholic  parents,  and 
sprung  of  a  Catholic  family  upon  both  sides  ;  but  as 
yet,  her  mind,  in  fact,  had  received  no  fixed  religious 
impressions.  Such  instances  we  may  frequently  se3, 
especially  in  the  present  enlightened  day.  Children 
no  longer  feel  bound  to  be  governed  by  either  the 
religious  or  political  opinions  of  their  parents,  or  their 
ancestors  ;  but  claim  the  inalienable  privilege  of 
thinking  and  acting  for  themselves,  according  to  their 
own  judgment  and  observation — themselves  only  be- 
ing responsible,  before  God  and  man,  for  the  course 
which  they  pursue.  So  Viola  felt,  in  part  at  least, 
even  then.  And  what  little  chance  she  had  had  for 
familiarizing  herself  with  the  religion  of  the  "  here- 
tics," had  caused  a  wavering  in  her  mind,  which  ren 
dered  her,  unconsciously  as  it  were,  undecided.  Slie 
was  a  Romanist,  and  she  was  not.  By  right  of  birth 
that  was  her  religion,  but  by  the  power  of  conscience 
its  opposite  was  more  truly  so.  Her's  was  a  soul 
that  was  naturally  inclined  to  elevate  itself  out  of  the 
mire  of  bigotry,  and  the  darkness  of  superstition. 
And  when  these  glowing,  eloquent  panegyrics  of  the 
nun^s  life  were  buzzed  in  her  ear,  she  listened  to 
them  quietly  and  patiently,  as  an  evil  she  could  not 
shun  ;  but  without  any  idea  of  ever  herself  blotting 

out  her  mortal  existence  with  the  dark  shadow  of  the 

2 


26  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

vail.  Of  her  thoughts  and  feelings,  however,  nc 
living  being  was  aware  ;  and  even  she  herself,  as  we 
have  already  stated,  was,  at  this  time,  nndecided. 
But  events  were  hatching  in  the  future,  which  surely 
and  forever,  turned  the  current  of  her  young  impres- 
sions. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  27 


CHAPTER    IV. 

VIOLA  STILL  AT  THE  CONVENT  SCHOOL, — THE  PLOT  THICKENING. 

FALSE  REPRESENTATIONS, — THE  FORGED  LETTER. 

Thus  passed  a  year-— to  Viola  a  tedious  period  ; 
for  long  before  its  expiration  she  had  wearied  of  the 
restraint  which  cramped  all  her  actions,  and  hung 
upon  her  heart  with  a  crushing  weight.  The  con- 
tinued representations  of  the  beatific  felicity  of  the 
nun's  life  produced  upon  her  mind  a  contrary  effect 
to  that  which  was  designed  ;  though  she  never  open- 
ly expressed  herself  as  opposed  to  such  views  and 
opinions.  In  fact,  her  mind,  at  that  time,  was  some- 
thing of  a  chaos,  where  the  associations  of  a  past  life, 
and  the  influence  of  that  creed  with  which  she  had 
heretofore  been  surrounded,  were  struggling  with 
newer  impressions,  which  an  invisible  power  was  ex- 
panding in  her  soul. 

At  the  expiration  of  the  year  her  uncle  made  his 
appearance  at  the  Convent  school ;  having,  of  course, 
designedly  absented  himself  for  so  long  a  period. 

"Have  you  carried  out  my  instructions?" — ^he  de- 


28  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 

manded,  of  the  Superior  ;  having  first  sought  her 
presence  that  he  might  the  better  know  what  course 
to  pursue  with  Viola. 

"  Implicitly/'  she  replied.  "  There  has  not  been  a 
single  occasion,  nor  a  circumstance,  permitted  to  slip 
by,  that  could,  possibly,  be  turned  to  account.  We 
have  incessantly  endeavored  to  impress  on  her  mind 
the  importance  of  being  enrolled  among  the  faithful, 
and  the  great  joy,  and  peace,  and  blessedness  of  that 
life,  which  it  is  your  wish — though  as  yet  she  knows 
it  not — that  she  should  emb^-ace.'^ 

"And  with  what  success ?''  inquired  Torillo,  eagerly. 

"  None,  I  think,"  rejoined  the  Superior.  "  She  is 
ever  passive,  but  impenetrable — ^listens,  but  is  silent 
— ^attends  to  every  lesson,  but  shows  no  desire  for 
anything  further.  The  subject  either  does  not  ex- 
cite any  emotion  at  all,  for  or  against  it ;  or,  for  one 
so  young,  she  has  a  wonderful  command  over  her 
feelings  ;  as  it  is,  I  fear  we  shall  but  have  our  labor 
for  our  pains.  But  you  will  see  her,  and  you  can 
then  judge  for  yourself.  In  her  studies,  however, 
she  is  remarkably  proficient,  evincing  an  unbounded 
desire  for  all  manner  of  information." 

"  Send  her  hither,"  said  Torillo,  in  an  abstracted 
manner. 

"  I  will,"  responded  the  Superior.  "  But  first  let 
me  ask  you  one  thing." 

"  Go  on !" 


The  Trittm^^h  of  Love  and  Faith,  29 

"  Is  there  not  something  more  weighty,  more  pow- 
erful than  the  mere  requirements  of  religion — some- 
thing to  enlist  the  feelings,  that  might  be  urged  upon 
your  niece  to  induce  her  to  take  this  step  ?" 

"  I  know  of  nothing,"  rejoined  Torillo,  musingly. 
*'  I  see  but  one  course  left.  Possess  her  entire  for- 
tune I  must,  if  I  have  to  resort  to  compulsion.'^ 

"In  this  part  of  the  world  that  were  best  left  as 
the  very  last  resort,'^  responded  the  more  cautious 
female.  Suspicion  of  the  Holy  Church  seems  indigi- 
nous  to  this  soil,  and  it  behooves  us  always  to  be  very 
guarded.     Think  again  of  my  question." 

There  was  a  moment's  pause,  and  Torillo  sat  with 
his  sallow  face  buried  in  his  shriveled  hands. 

"  Yes  !  yes  !  I  think  that  would  do  !"  he  suddenly 
muttered,  as  if  in  answer  to  some  suggestion  from 
another  party. 

"  What  ?"  demanded  the  Superior,  who  still  con- 
tinued standing  close  by. 

Torillo  looked  up  under  his  heavy  eyebrows  at  his 
interlocutor. 

'  "  If  she  were  induced  'o  think  that  it  was  her  mo- 
ther's dying  request,  she  might  then  accede,"  re- 
sponded the  scheming  Jesuit,  inquiringly. 

"  The  very  thing  I"  exclaimed  the  Superior.  "  If 
she  has  a  heart — and  who  can  doubt  it  ? — such  an 
appeal  will  do  its  work.  I  will  now  send  her  to  you. 
Ply  her  well." 


30  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 

"  Trust  me  for  that  !^'  replied  Torillo  j  and  with 
this  assurance  his  female  confederate  quitted  the 
room. 

After  she  was  gone;  Torillo  muttered  to  himself — 
the  while  slowly  pacing  up  and  down  the  apartment — 

"  I  do  not  fear  blood  nor  death  ;  but  as  she  is  my 
sister's  child,  and  one  of  us,  I  had  rather  rid  myself 
of  her  without  any  violence.  If,  however,  she  will 
not  be  induced  to  take  the  veir^ — ^and  these  words 
passed  through  his  teeth  like  the  hiss  of  an  envenomed 
serpent — "  by  the  holy  cross  !  I  must  resort  to  some 
other  method  of  putting  her  out  of  the  way.  Her 
money  I  must^  and  iriTZ,  have.  My  necessities,  if 
nothing  else,  demand  her  sacrifice.  Besides,  a  large 
portion  of  it  is  already  spent ;  and  if  she  happened 
ever  to  marry,  the  law  might  call  me  to  a  too  strict 
account.  Ah  !^'  he  continued,  assuming  a  listening 
attitude,  "footsteps!  she  comes!  Now  to  play  a 
deeper  game." 

At  that  moment,  Viola,  radiant  with  smiles,  entered 
the  apartment,  and  greeted  her  uncle  pleasantly. 

It  will  be  borne  in  mind  that  at  this  time  the  young 
girl  was  unsuspicious  of  any  plot,  and,  therefore,  un- 
dreaming of  her  guardian  nucleus  complicity. 

"  You  are  looking  well  and  happy,  Yiola,  and  I  am 
glad  of  it,"  said  Torillo,  as  he  held  her  hands  in  his, 
and  looked  into  her  face  pleasantly.  "  I  hope  to  see 
you  always  looking  so.    Now  sit  down  here  beside 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  31 

me,  for  I  wish  to  talk  to  you  f  and  he  drew  her  down 
to  a  chair,  and  seated  himself  close  beside  her.  "  Do 
you  like  living  here  ?"  he  continued,  kindly,  and 
softly.  *^  I  am  told  that  you  exhibit  a  great  fondness, 
and  aptness,  for  learning.'' 

Viola  was  silent ;  and  from  the  expression  of  her 
face,  she  was  evidently  revolving  something  in  her 
mind.     Torillo  repeated  the  question  : — 

"  Do  you  like  living  here,  Viola  ?'' 

"  I  scarcely  know  what  to  say,  uncle,"  she  responded, 
at  length.  "  There  are,  however,  many  things  which 
I  could  certainly  wish  otherwise  ;  but  in  this  world, 
I  know,  we  cannot  have  every  thing  as  we  desire." 

^*  Indeed,  no,"  replied  Torillo.  "  But  to  what  do 
you  refer  particularly  ?" 

The  artful  Jesuit  was  now  sounding  the  young 
girl. 

"  I  have  not  liberty  enough,  for  one  thing,  uncle," 
rejoined  Viola,  innocently.  "I  am  watched  too 
much — wherefore,  I  cannot  imagine.  I  did  not  see 
this  at  first,  but  it  is  plain  enough  now." 

"  Ah,  my  child,  that  is  but  in  accordance  with  my 
instructions,  and  I  am  sure  I  act  only  for  your  good. 
It  was  not  from  any  wish  to  curtail  your  freedom  that 
I  left  such  directions — it  arose,  only,  from  my  anxiety 
for  your  safety.  But  perhaps  they  have  been  too 
zealous.     I  will  speak  about  it  before  I  leave." 

"  Then  agdn,  uncle,"  continued  Viola,  ''  they  worry 


32  Viola  Hastings  ;    v*, 

me  more  than  I  am  willing  to  confess,  by  their  cease- 
less panegyrics  of  the  happy  and  blessed  life  of  the 
nun.  •  I  don't  dispute  but  what  it  may  be  just  as  they 
say;  but,  uncle,  I  am  here  to  be  educated,  and  not  to 
be  pestered — for  it  is  nothing  less — with  such  things. 
It  is  out  of  place,  uncalled  for,  and  tiresome.  I  have 
not  spoken  of  these  things  before,  or  to  any  one 
else  ;  but  to  you  I  feel  it  to  be  my  duty.'' 

^*  Right,  my  dear  child,"  returned  Torillo,  conceal- 
ing his  own  disappointment  under  a  smooth  exterior ; 
and  then  he  relapsed  into  a  thoughtful,  but  not  a 
frowning  mood. 

"  Will  you  try  to  make  it  a  little  pleasanter  in  these 
respects,  uncle  ?''  inquired  Viola. 

There  was  a  pause  ;  and  then,  without  replying  to 
her  question,  her  uncle  addressed  her,  slowly,  and 
with  seeming  sorrow. 

''  Yiola,"  he  said,  and  so  consummate  was  his  hj'po* 
crisy,  that  his  voice  even  trembled  as  with  the  power 
of  his  emotion  ;  '*  I  have  a  duty  to  perform,  and,  un- 
der the  circumstances,  there  is  no  better  time  than 
the  present  in  which  to  execute  it.  Your  words  have 
brought  it  fresh  to  my  memory,  reminding  me  of  an 
unwelcome  obligation.  Though  I  may  regret  the 
course  I  feel  compelled  to  pursue,  my  duty  to  the 
dead  leaves  me  no  alternative.'' 

Yiola  did  not  reply,  for  her  uncle's  words  were  to 
her  an  enigma.     She  only  looked  at  him,  wondering. 


Tlie  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  33 

"Let  me  confess,  my  dear  child/'  he  continued, 
again  taking  her  hand  in  his,  "  that  these  things  of 
which  you  complain,  have  a  deeper  meaning  than  ap- 
pears ;  and  it  is  best  that  I  should  now  make  you  ac- 
quainted with  my  reasons  for  pursuing  such  a  course. 
Prepare  yourself,  my  child,  for  the  worst ;  for  what- 
ever happiness  the  prospect  might  bring  to  others, 
to  you  I  perceive,  from  your  manner  and  language,  it 
can  only  be  a  source  of  sorrow/' 

Still  Viola  was  silent ;  but  her  face  expressed  all 
her  wonder,  astonishment,  and  dread  of  some  coming 
evil,  she  knew  not  what. 

"  Your  mother,  my  dear  and  only  sister,"  continued 
the  hypocritical,  scheming  villain,  sentimentally ; 
"  upon  her  death  bed  confided  you,  her  only  child,  to 
my  care  and  protection.  Faithfully  have  I  endeavored 
to  carry  out  her  wishes,  and  it  now  only  remains  for 
me,  disagreeable  as  the  duty  may  be,  to  perform,  her 
final  and  most  urgent  request." 

Torillo  paused  as  if  loth  to  proceed,  but  in  reality 
only  to  gather  his  thoughts.  Viola  never  removed 
her  eyes  from  his  face,  but  still  continued  silent.  At 
length  he  went  on  with  seeming  reluctance. 

"In  the  last  hours  of  her  life,  Viola,  your  good 
mother — for  she  was  good" — Torillo  looked  up  rever- 
entially, and  a  silent  tear  trickled  down  the  face  of 
the  young  girl — "  after  afi'ectionately  confiding  you  to 
my  care  and  protection,  placed  in  my  hands  a  package, 

9.* 


34  ^lola  Hastings;  or, 

at  the  same  time  binding  me  by  the  most  solemn 
obligations  of  the  church,  faithfully  to  carry  out  the 
directions  contained  therein.  With  blind  love  I 
promised  ;  and  then  your  good  mother  breathed  her 
last  in  these  arms." 

"  And  they  had  sent  me  from  the  room,  when  most 
I  should  have  been  there  I"  cried  Viola,  in  an  agony 
of  grief ;  forgetting  all  else  in  the  memory  of  her 
mother's  death.     "  0,  I  remember  it  well !" 

"  You  were  but  a  child,  Viola,  and  could  not  have 
done  her  any  good  ;  while  the  sight  of  you  might 
have  rendered  her  dying  hour  more  painful,"  re- 
sponded Torillo  ;  and  at  the  same  time  he  mentally 
thanked  his  own  good  fortune  that  it  had  not  occurred 
otherwise. 

"  Still  it  was  none  the  less  hard,  nor  is  the  memory 
of  it  any  the  less  painful,"  sobbed  Viola.  "  But  go 
on,  uncle." 

"  Until  lately  I  have  not  thought  it  necessary,  my 
dear  child,"  continued  her  uncle,  very  kindly,  "  to  im- 
part to  you  the  fact  that  your  poor  dead  mother  had 
bequeathed  you  to  the  service  of  the  Holy  Church." 

The  effect  upon  Viola  of  this  communication  was 
instantaneous  ;  and  she  uttered  a  suppressed  and 
painful  scream. 

"  No,  no,  uncle,  you  jest  with  me  !"  she  exclaimed, 
with  startling  rapidity. 

*^For  your  sake,  my  dear  child,  considering  the 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  35 

state  of  your  feelings,  would  it  were  so,"  responded 
Torillo.  And  then  after  an  apparently  thoughtful 
pause,  he  resumed  ; — "  and  yet  I  cannot  exactly  see, 
why  that  to  one  born  and  educated  as  you  have  been, 
the  thought  should  be  so  very  distressing ! — What 
better  destiny  can  any  of  usjaope  for,  than  to  be  good 
and  faithful  followers  of  the  Blessed  Virgin !" 

^^  0  uncle,  don^t  talk  so,"  murmured  Viola  in  agoni- 
zing tones.  ^^  But  did  my  mother  really  consign  me 
to  such  a  destiny  ?" 

"  Can  you  doubt  my  word,  my  child  ?" 

"  No,  no,  uncle  ;  but  it  seems  too  dreadful  for  be- 
lief!" responded  Viola,  in  a  bewildered  manner. 

^*  My  dear  child,  listen  to  me,"  said  Torillo,  bending 
an  affectionate  look  upon  her.  "  With  such  feelings 
it  may  be  very  hard  to  you ;  and  yet  I  cannot  but 
counsel  you  to  heed  your  dying  mother's  word.  And 
that  they  were  such  you  shall  yourself  judge.  The 
package  of  which  I  have  spoken  comprised  two  let- 
ters— the  first  was  directed  to  me,  the  other  to  vour- 
self.  I  need  scarcely  repeat  the  contents  of  mine  ; 
and  yet,  probably,  it  would  be  better.  Your  mother 
spoke  of  her  undying  love  for  the  Holy  Church — of 
her  many  hopes  for  you,  and  of  her  earnest  wish  that 
you  should  consecrate  yourself,  heart,  soul,  body,  life 
and  fortune,  to  the  service  of  that  religion  in  which 
she  had  lived,  and  in  which  she  should  die.  The  ful- 
fillment of  that  wish  she  solemnly  left  to  me,  charging 


36  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

me  so  to  educate  and  temper  your  mind  as  to  with- 
draw your  desires  from  the  things  of  this  earth,  to 
the  higher  hopes  of  heaven.  And,  Viola,  I  have 
sought  to  carry  out  her  wishes  to  the  letter.  If  I 
have  failed,  I  can  lay  my  hand  upon  my  heart  and  de- 
clare that  it  is  no  fault  •f  mine.  The  resjconsihilify 
must  rest  elseivhere,^^ 

Torillo  strongly  aspirated  the  concluding  sentence, 
leaving  Viola  no  room  to  misunderstand  the  tenor  of 
his  allusion. 

"I  know  it!  I  feel  it!"  she  murmured  mentally. 
"  Upon  my  own  soul,  only,  must  rest  the  responsibil- 
ity of  foregoing  my  mother^s  wish.  0  !  just  Heaven, 
is  there  anything  but  submission  left  me  ?" 

Her  uncle  watched  the  play  of  her  features  intently, 
and  the  quiet  smile  that  rested  upon  his  thin  lips, 
told  of  some  inward  satisfaction.  Doubtless  he 
thought  the  character  of  her  emotion  favorable  to  his 
designs. 

A  few  moments  passed  away  in  silence,  and  then 
Torillo  continued  : 

"  The  letter  directed  to  yourself,  my  child,  shall  be 
forwarded  to  you  immediately  on  my  return  home. 
Of  its  contents  I  am  ignorant,  it  being  sealed." 

With  her  pale  face  now  buried  in  her  little  white 
hands,  Viola  was  w^eeping  bitterly,  and  the  tears 
rained  down  her  cheeks  like  a  tempest.  Her  uncle 
looked  on  rather  pleased  than  otherwise  with  her 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  37 

emotion,  for  he  fancied  it  an  evidence  of  the  power 
which  her  mother^s  words  would  exercise  upon  her 
mind. 

"  0,  uncle,  it  may  be  wrong,''  she  at  length  broke 
forth,  and  in  the  most  passionate  manner,  "  it  may  be 
an  offence  against  high  heaven  and  ray  mother's  mem- 
ory, but  I  cannot  regard  such  an  event  Avith  any  other 
than  the  most  agonizing  feelings.  Life  is  sweet,  and 
the  world  beautiful,  to  all ;  but  more  especially  to 
one,  who,  like  myself,  is  standing  only  on  its  thresh- 
old. And  though,  while  living,  I  loved  my  mother 
dearly,  and  now  that  she  is  dead,  revere  her  memory 
sacredly,  I  cannot  but  think  that  in  this  she  permitted 
her  religious  zeal  to  outweigh  her  love,  and  kindness, 
and  justice." 

"  Still,  my  dear  child,  though  it  may  even  be  as  you 
say,  a  dying  mother's  last  and  solemn  wash  should  be 
held  sacred.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  child  to  comply 
with,  not  arraign,  a  parent's  commands." 

"  I  know  it,  uncle,  I  know  it !"  responded  Viola, 
"  but  when  those  commands  interfere  with  the  pros- 
perity and  happiness  of  the  child,  there  is  some  doubt 
as  to  the  propriety  of,  and  the  obligation  to,  obey 
them." 

This  self-reliant  and  independent  reasoning  dis- 
pleased, and  discouraged  Torillo.  He  frowned  dark- 
ly, and  hit  heavy  eyebrows  lowered  so  as  almost  to 


38  Viola  Hastings;  or^ 

conceal  the  orbs  beneath.  In  a  moment,  however, 
and  before  it  was  observed,  the  look  had  vanished. 

"  And  yet,"  continued  Viola,  her  thoughts  going 
back  to  the  days  of  her  childhood — *^  it  is  hard,  it  is 
painful,  to  turn  from  the  wishes  of  a  parent — to  pur- 
sue a  course  contrary  to  that  which  they  have  fondly, 
though,  perhaps,  misjudgingly,  marked  out  for  us." 

Her  uncle's  face  grew  brighter  and  brighter  with 
every  word. 

**  But,  0,  uncle,"  she  still  continued,  "  against  this 
all  my  thoughts,  desires,  and  inclinations  powerfully 
rebel.  And  must  I,  to  obey  my  mother,  perjure  my- 
self, by  taking  upon  me  vows,  which  in  the  making  I 
know  to  be  false  ?  It  is  in  the  spirit  more  than  in 
the  letter  that  every  obligation  of  life  is  rightly  and 
truly  performed  ;  and  in  submitting  myself  to  such  a 
destiny,  with  my  present  feelings,  uncle,  I  should 
offer  myself  an  unwilling  sacrifice  at  the  altar  of  filial 
duty." 

''  But,  dear  child,"  said  her  uncle,  softly,  ^'  your 
present  feelings  may  undergo  a  change — icill^  if  you 
but  strive.  As  a  parent  I  must  still  advise  you,  at 
least,  to  endeavor  to  bring  your  mind  to  obey  your 
mother's  last  injunction.  She  was  older,  and  wiser, 
and  better  qualified  to  judge  of  what  would  be  good 
for  your  happiness  than  you  are  yourself.  And,  Viola, 
there  may  come  a  day  when  you  will  thank  me  for 
this  advice.     You  may  not  think  so  now,  but  such  an 


The   rriumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  39 

act  of  disobedience  would  embitter  all  your  future 
days;^ 

"  0,  uncle,  I  know  not  what  to  say  or  how  to  act  !^' 
responded  Yiola,  distractedly.  "  I  cannot,  cannot 
consent  thus  to  bury  myself  for  all  time — thus  to  shut 
myself  out  forever  from  the  bright  and  beautiful 
world  ;  and  yet  my  mother^s  words  seem  too  sacred 
to  be  entirely  cast  aside.  0,  was  ever  a  poor  maid 
placed  in  such  a  situation  !     What,  what  shall  I  do  V^ 

"  My  dear  child,  I  must  confess  that  your  repug- 
nance to  this  honorable  institution  of  the  Church 
astonishes  me  ;  and  creates  in  my  mind  a  suspicion 
which  I  feign  would  not  harbor.  And  yet  it  cannot 
be,  Viola "  and  the  tones  of  Torillo's  voice  be- 
spoke more  of  sorrow  than  of  anger — '^  it  cannot  be 
that  you  have  forsaken  the  religion  of  the  Holy 
Church — the  faith  of  all  your  family !'' 

There  was  a  pause,  and  to  Viola  an  embarrassing 
one.  That  her  mind  was  really  swerving  she  well 
knew  ;  and  feeling  a  repugnance  to  utter  a  deliberate 
falsehood,  she  was  at  a  loss  what  answer  to  make. 
And  to  confess  her  feelings  to  her  uncle,  situated  as 
she  was,  was  more  than  she  dare  do. 

Her  silence  seemed  to  confirm  Torillo^s  suspicion — 
for  .he  really  had  begun  to  entertain  the  thought  he 
expressed — and  for  the  first  time  he  somewhat  forgot 
the  part  he  was  playing. 

"  And  is  it  really  so  !'*  he  exclaimed,  angrily.    "By 


40  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 

what  devilish  agency  has  this  accursed  heresy  been 
accomplished  ?'' 

"  Stop,  uncle  !"  cried  Viola,  suddenly  interrupting 
him.  "  Your  violence  will  overpower  me  ;  for  al- 
ready my  strength  has  been  too  greatly  tasked.  If 
I  answered  you  not  immediately,  it  was  because  my 
thoughts  were  too  greatly  confused — nothing  more. 
So  many  things  at  times  bewilder  my  poor  brain." 

This  ambiguous  reply  mollified  Torillo  ;  and  when 
again  he  addressed  the  young  girl  his  voice  was  as 
soft  and  mild  as  a  woman^s. 

^'  I  was  hasty,  my  dear  child — think  not  of  it,"  he 
said,  after  a  moment's  silence  ;  concluding,  probably, 
that  by  a  display  of  his  disposition  he  should  only 
frighten  his  niece  and  overreach  his  object.  "  I  was 
vexed  and  disappointed,"  he  added  ;  "  not  really  an- 
gered, hoAvever.  The  thought  that  my  sister's  child 
— my  own  niece — should  so  far  forget  herself  and  her 
connections  as  to  turn  her  back  upon  the  Holy  Church, 
and  become  an  apostate  to  her  religion,  for  the  mo- 
ment unbalanced  me.  Think  not  of  it,  dear  child. 
It  is  your  welfare— you,  whom  I  love  so  dearly — that 
renders  me  so  sensitive,  and  urges  me  so  powerfully 
to  exert  all  my  poor,  but  well  meaning  influence  to 
induce  you  to  accede  to  your  dead  mother's  last  re- 
quest, however  your  own  feelings  may  now  be  op- 
posed to  such  a  course.  And  if  you  but  tJmik  favor- 
ably of  it — view  it  in  the  light  in  which  a  good  Chris- 


The  Triumph  of  Love  arui  Faith.  41 

tian,  and  a  faithful  daughter  should — the  sacrifice  will 
become  rather  a  pleasure  than  a  pain." 

"  Uncle,  in  my  religion,  and  my  duty,  as  in  every- 
thing else,  I  shall  always,  I  hope,  endeavor  to  do 
what  is  right,"  responded  the  young  girl,  more  calm- 
ly, but  still  with  a  very  unsettled  manner. 

"  I  believe  you,  my  dear  child,''  rejoined  her  uncle, 
satisfied  with  the  impression  which  he  fancied  he 
had  made  upon  his  niece's  mind.  ^'  I  fully  believe 
you,  and  therefore  I  will  leave  you  for  the  present. 
Think  well,  think  deeply,  think  fully,  of  what  I  have 
communicated,  so  that  when  I  come  again  you  may 
be  prepared  to  give  me  your  final  decision.  Pros- 
trate before  the  Blessed  Virgin,  seek,  day  and  night, 
a  proper  condition  of  mind  to  consider  your  dying 
mother's  injunction,  and  what  is  the  best  course  for 
a  loving  and  filial  child  to  pursue." 

"  I  will  seek  to  do  all  that  is  right  and  proper, 
uncle,"  rejoined  Viola,  absently. 

"  I  trust  so,"  continued  Torillo,  pressing  a  fatherly 
kiss  upon  the  young  girl's  marble  brow.  "  Your 
mother's  letter,  of  which  I  have  spoken,  shall  imme- 
diately be  placed  in  your  hand.  And  now,  farewell, 
my  dear  child." 

"Farewell,  uncle,"  responded  Viola,  burying  her 
white  face  in  her  trembling  hands. 


42  Viola  Hastings;  or, 


CHAPTER   V. 

THE  JESUIT  REVEALS  HIS  PLANS  TO  THE  SUPERIOR  OF  THE  CONVENT 

SCHGOLj  AND  DIRECTS  HER  HOW  TO  ACT  WITH  VIOLA 

DURING  THE  ENSUING  YEAR. 

In  another  small  apartment  of  the  aforesaid  Con^ 
vent  School,  a  few  minutes  subsequent  to  the  inter- 
view just  recorded,  were  seated  Torillo,  and  the  fe- 
male previously  introduced. 

"  Well,  what  think  you  ?''  demanded  the  latter. 

"  Think  1"  rejoined  Torillo,  speaking  quickly ; 
"  why,  I  think  we  shall  have  more  trouble  than  I  fan- 
cied, even  should  we  succeed  at  all." 

"And  what  did  the  perverse  girl  say  ?" 

"  Many  things  I  Among  others  she  complained  of 
too  much  restraint,  and  too  much  talk  of  Convent 
life." 

"  I  but  followed  your  instructions." 

"  I  told  her  so  ;  explaining  to  her  that  it  was  only 
for  her  good.  She  does  not  like  it,  however,  and  we 
must  change  our  tactics.  The  girl  is  observing,  and 
clear-headed,  for  one  of  her  years.     We  must  pursue 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  43 

another  course  ;  or  rather  let  the  seed  which  I  have 
planted  take  root  and  bloom  without  restraint." 

"  What  do  you  mean  ?" 

"  This  I  Yiola  has  a  horror  of  the  Convent  which 
it  will  be  hard  to  eradicate.  For  one  so  young,  and 
one  brought  up  as  she  has  been,  I  did  not  expect 
quite  so  great  a  show  of  antipathy — but  nevertheless 
her  aversion  appears  almost  unconquerable.  Besides 
that,  too — though  I  do  not  think  she  quite  under- 
stands it  herself  yet — she  wavers  somewhat  in  her 
duty  to  the  Church." 

"An  apostate  I"  ejaculated  the  pious  Superior,  in- 
dignantly. 

"  Not  quite  ;  but  yet  I  think  tending  that  way," 
rejoined  Torillo.  "And  that  makes  my  course  a  duty 
as  a" — he  hesitated  a  little  as  if  in  want  of  a  word, 
but  finally  added — "  convenience.  Any  show  of  apos- 
tacy" — ^he  continued — "  must  be  crushed  out,  if  life 
be  crushed  out  with  it.  "With  our  devotion  to  the 
Church,  no  other  consideration  must  ever  interfere ; 
but  in  this  case  I  can  combine  my  duty  to  the  Church, 
with  my  personal  interests,  and  make  of  it  a  common 
cause." 

There  was  a  momentary  pause,  and  then  Torillo 
went  on — 

"And,  as  I  have  told  you  before,  if  my  object  can 
be  accomplished  otherwise,  I  would  rather  not  resort 
to  violence." 


44  Viola  Hastings;  or^ 


*^And  if  it  cannot?"  returned  the  female,  inquir- 
ingly. 

"  Leave  the  rest  to  me,"  rejoined  Torillo,  with  a 
peculiar  look.  "  Where  there's  a  will  there's  a  way ; 
and  ^  the  end  justifies  the  means'^  in  and  out  of  the 
Church." 

There  Was  another  pause  of  a  few  seconds,  when 
Torillo  resumed* his  remarks. 

*^  As  I  was  saying,"  he  continued,  "  Viola  revolts 
at  the  idea  of  a  Convent.  Even  when  I  told  her  that 
it  was  her  dying  mother's  wish,  she  plead  and  argued 
against  it.  Nor  could  all  my  logic  produce  more  than 
a  feeling  of  indecision.  The  story  took  her  by  sur- 
prise, and  amazed,  and  grieved  her,  immeasurably. 
I  left  her  weighed  down  by  a  conflict  of  contending 
emotions.  The  thought  that  it  was  her  mother's  last 
and  most  urgent  request,  however — which  idea  I 
pushed  home,  hard — made  some  impression,  I  think, 
upon  her  mind.  Our  best  plan  now,  is,  to  let  it 
work  for  awhile." 

"  And  did  she  not  suspect,  think  you  ?" 

"  No  !  What  reason  could  she  have  for  suspicion  ? 
I  have  ever  been  kind  and  friendly  towards  her — 
why  then  should  she  think  that  I  would  deceive  her? 
Besides,  I  clinched  the  story  very  effectually  by 
telling  her  of  two  letters,  which  I  declared  her  dying 
mother  had  left  in  my  care.  One  of  them,  I  said, 
was  directed  to  mvself.  and  contained  the  Dartimlnrc 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  45 

of  what  I  had  just  communicated  to  her — while  the 
other  was  sealed  and  directed  to  her.  The  latter  I 
promised  to  forward  to  her  immediately. '^ 

''A  very  pretty  story,"  remarked  the  Superior, 
evidently  pleased  with  the  cunning  that  had  been 
displayed.     But  the  letter  — " 

"  Shall  be  forthcoming  as  soon  as  promi*sed,"  said 
Torillo,  finishing  the  sentence.  "  I  can  imitate  my 
sister's  style  and  chirography  admirably,  and  I  will 
indite  a  communication  in  accordance  with  the  story 
I  have  invented,  as  soon  as  I  get  home.  You  will 
then  see  that  it  is  placed  in  her  hands.'' 

"Certainly!" 

"  My  niece  w^ill  remain  with  you  another  year,  at 
the  expiration  of  which  time  I  hope  to  see  my  plans 
successful." 

"And  what  course  shall  I  now  pursue  ?"  demanded 
the  Superior. 

"  This  !  Watch  the  girl  with  the  eye  of  an  argus, 
but  let  it  be  done  in  such  a  manner  as  not  to  alarm 
her.  Let  her  feel  that  she  is  unrestrained,  though 
your  vigilance  be  trebled.  Drop  all  conversation 
that  may  fret  or  worry  her.  She  will  not,  however, 
.  suspect  any  collusion  between  us  ;  and  if,  at  any 
time,  you  can  indirectly  do  or  say  anything  that  will 
help  my  plan — that  is,  anything  that  ^\ill  not  appear 
aimed  at  her  expressly — why,  profit  by  the  occasion. 


46  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

But  be  guarded  !  Better,  too,  leave  her  alone  with 
her  own  thoughts  as  much  as  possible." 

"  I  will  do  my  best.'' 

"  Do  that,  and  I  am  satisfied.  In  the  end  we  shall 
then  succeed,  and  through  our  success  we  shall,  toge- 
ther, bring  a  backsliding  servant  to  the  feet  of  the 
Holy  Church,  while  I  individually,  shall  gain  — " 

*^  Wealth,"  broke  in  the  woman,  smiling. 

"  And  you,"  continued  Torillo,  returning  her  smile. 

"  The  satisfaction  of  doing  my  duty,  and  helping  — " 

"  A  friend,"  said  Viola's  uncle,  concluding  th6  sen- 
tence. 

Then  Torillo  went  his  way,  and  his  female  coadju- 
tor returned  to  her  duties  in  the  school. 

Think  you,  my  reader,  that  such  women — and  this 
one  was  but  the  type  of  many — are  fitting  persons  to 
whom  to  intrust  the  education  of  the  youthful  mind? 


The  Triumph  of  Love  ind  Faith.  47 


CHAPTER    VI. 

THE    FORGED    LETTER   AGAIN. — VIOLa's    GRIEF. 

We  left  Yiola,  as  her  uncle  had  truly  informed  the 
Superior,  bowed  down  with  grief  and  sorrow.  For  a 
long  time  after  Torillo^s  departure  she  could  do 
nothing  but  weep,  and  her  emotion  was  of  the  deep- 
est and  most  powerful  character.  It  seemed  to  rend 
her  very  heart.  Her  ardent,  hopeful,  imagina- 
tive nature,  notwithstanding  her  Papish  education 
and  associations,  revolted  at  the  thought  of  burying 
herself  in  such  a  living  tomb  as  a  Convent.  But,  in 
the  midst  of  these  thoughts  would  come  crushing 
back  upon  her  heart,  her  dying  mother's  wish,  in  that 
moment,  seemingly  too  sacred,  too  holy,  to  be  neg- 
lected or  cast  aside.  And  then  she  would  weep 
again,  and  her  heart  would  be  rent  by  the  fierce 
struggle  which  duty  and  inclination  were  waging. 

After  some  time  the  Superior  went  to  the  young 
girl,  and  without  commenting  at  all  upon  the  condi- 
tion in  which  she  found  her,  kindly  urged  her  to  retire 
to  her  own  domicil.     The  young  girl  silently  obeyed, 


48  Viola  Hastings;  yr, 

and  when  alone  gave  way  again  to  the  struggle  which 
was  agitating  her  bosom. 

"  0,  mother  I  dear,  dear  mother  I"  she  cried,  kneel- 
ing down  by  the  side  of  her  little  cot ;  "  could  you 
only  have  kno^vn  the  misery  you  were  bringing  upon 
me,  never,  never,  would  you  have  bound  me  to  such 
a  life.  You  were  too  kind,  too  loving,  so  to  embitter 
all  my  life.  0,  what  shall  I  do  ?  To  obey,  is  to 
destroy  all  my  happiness — to  disobey,  can  but  make 
me  miserable !'' 

Thus  she  talked,  and  wept,  until  at  length  she  fell 
asleep.  Day  followed  day,  and  each  was  like  the 
other — to  Viola  full  of  misery.  The  struggle  between 
her  duty  to  herself  on  the  one  side,  and  her  duty  to 
her  mother  on  the  other,  still  ravaged  her  bosom,  and 
as  violently  as  at  the  first.  Each  feeling  seemed 
determined  to  hold  its  own,  and  between  the  two 
Viola's  anguish  was  almost  insupportable. 

During  this  time,  and  throughout  the  whole  of  the 
ensuing  twelve  months,  Torillo's  directions  were  reli- 
giously carried  out,  and  the  young  girl  was,  appa- 
rently, left  to  follow  the  bent  of  her  own  inclinations. 
Her  studies  were  made  light — her  duties  nominal. 
No  restraint  was  seemingly  exercised,  nor  was  there 
any  more  extolling,  as  a  general  thing,  of  the  blessed 
and  desirable  life  of  the  cloister.  Occasionally  the 
Superior  would  lecture  the  scholars  collectively — and 
among  the  number  were  several  Protestant  girls. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  49 

whose  parents  were  much  more  foolish  than  they 
would  have  liked,  doubtless,  to  have  been  thought — 
upon  the  general  duties  of  life,  the  obedience  that  under 
all  circumstances  was  due  to  parents^  the  requirements 
of  religion,  and  the  peace  and  repose  to  be  found  in  the 
bosom  of  the  Holy  Church.  These  lectures  were  aimed 
by  the  Superior,  as  well  at  the  Protestant  scholars 
under  her  charge,  as  at  Viola ;  for  the  servants  of 
the  "  Infallible  Church"  never  neglect  an  opportunity 
for  proselyting.  Viola,  however — for  mth  the  others 
we  have  now  nothing  to  do — could  not  but  think, 
from  the  general  character  of  the  lectures,  that  the 
choosing  of  the  subjects  was  unintentional,  though 
the  matter  therein  bore  directly  on  those  points 
which  most  were  agitating  her  own  bosom. 

The  fourth  day  after  her  uncle's  visit  Viola  received 
the  promised  letter  ;  and  its  contents  served  but  to 
increase  the  despondency  and  anguish  of  her  feelings. 
The  epistle  was  artfully  worded.  It  was  written  by 
one — and  who  else  but  Torillo  ? — who  knew  well  the 
peculiarities  of  Viola's  mother,  and  who  knew,  too, 
that  the  child  was  not  so  young  when  her  mother 
died,  but  that  she,  likewise,  would  remember,  and 
expect  to  see  a  display  of  them — and  who  profited 
well  by  the  knowledge  he  possessed.  In  thrilling 
words  it  described  the  dangerous  temptations  of  the 
hollow  world  ;  in  beautiful  language  it  pictured  forth 
the  peace  and  quiet  of  the  cloister  ;  and  in  glowing 


50  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

terms  it  urged  upon  Viola,  for  her  dear  mother's  sake, 
,  to  embrace  the  holy  calling.  Nothing  was  spared — 
not  an  argument  that  could  bear  upon  her  feelings 
was  overlooked — not  a  stone,  so  to  speak,  was  left 
unturned. 

From  that  hour  the  young  girl  was  a  prey  to  the 
most  desponding  feelings  ;  and  in  the  agony  of  her 
heart,  life  almost  grew  to  be  distasteful  and  burthen- 
.some.  And  that  was  the  very  state  of  mind  which 
her  artful  uncle  most  desired  to  produce.  Her  spirits 
once  broken  down,  he  argued — and  this  continued 
struggle,  if  it  can  but  be  kept  up,  will  eventually 
have  that  effect — and  life  would  not  look  so  pleasant 
and  enticing,  nor  her  mother's  request  appear  so 
dreadful.  In  that  hour  she  might  be  prevailed  on. 
It  was  subtile — it  was  likely  to  succeed  ;  but  still 
Viola  yielded  but  slowly,  like  a  brave  soldier  dispu- 
ting the  ground  inch  by  inch. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  51 


CHAPTER   VII. 

END    OF    ANOTHER    YEAR. — THE    JESUIT    AGAIN    AT    THE    CONVENT 
SCHOOL. — VIOLA    GOES    TO    MT.    CARMEL. 

Thus  passed  the  second  year  of  Viola's  scholastic 
life.  The  young  girl  was  thinner  and  paler  than 
usual,  but  none  the  less  lovely.  With  Torillo  it  had 
passed  away  in  schemes  and  intrigues,  personal  and 
otherwise.  And  during  the  time,  too,  he  had  used 
large  sums  of  money  belonging  to  Yiola,  which,  as 
the  year  began  to  draw  to  a  close,  made  him  still 
more  anxious  to  accomplish  his  designs  upon  the 
young  girl. 

Again  he  visited  the  Convent  school — again  talked 
over  his  prospects  with  the  Superior,  and  had  another 
interview  with  Viola.  The  same  mildness,  gentle- 
ness, and  kindness  characterised  his  deportment 
toward^  his  niece — the  same  insidious  hypocrisy 
marked  his  every  word.  And  Viola,  herself,  exhib- 
ited the  same  distress  of  mind — the  same  reluctance 
to  comply  with  her  mother's  request  at  the  price  of 
her  own  happiness,  and  yet  the  same  desire  to  per- 


52  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 

form  all  that  a  dutiful  and  loving  child  consistently 
should.  Torillo  argued — not,  he  said,  that  he  had  any- 
especial  interest  in  doing  so,  aside  from  her  own  wel- 
fare— and  Viola  wept  and  pleaded.  The  poor  girFs 
mental  agony  would  have  melted  any  human  heart  ; 
but,  alas  I  for  her,  Torillo,  figuratively  speaking,  had 
no  heart  at  all. 

At  length  he  had  exhausted  all  his  rhetoric,  and 
nearly  all  his  patience.  Viola's  persevering  obsti- 
nacy, as  he  mentally  termed  it,  was  almost  too  much 
for  his  naturally  violent  and  impatient  nature. 
Finally  he  proposed  to  his  niece,  as  a  sort  of  com- 
promise, that  she  should  spend  the  ensuing  year  at 
the  Convent  of  Mt.  Carmel,  in  the  probationary 
character  of  a  Sister  of  Mercy — declaring,  solemnly, 
that  if  at  the  end  of  that  period  her  prejudices  still 
overcame  her  sense  of  duty,  he  would  absolve  him- 
self from  the  whole  matter,  and  urge  her  no  further. 

In  view  of  what  she  supposed  to  be  her  dying 
mother's  request,  and  with  the  full  conviction  that 
in  complying  with  this  suggestion  she  in  no  way 
committed  herself,  nor  in  any  manner  bound  herself, 
to  pursue  a  course  contrary  to  her  wishes,  she  made 
no  objection  to  this  proposition  ;  and  so  the  matter 
was  finally  settled.  With  this  understanding  the 
young  girl  retired  to  her  little  domicil,  there  to  weep 
and  mourn  alone  ;  and  her  uncle  sought  again  the 
presence  of  the  Superior. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  53 

"  Well !"  demanded  the  latter,  as  Torillo  entered 
the  receiving-room  where  she  had  been  awaiting 
him. 

"  The  bird  is  snared  1"  cried  Torillo,  exultingly. 

"  In  what  manner  ?" 

"  This.  I  have  prevailed  upon  her  to  pass  a  pro- 
bationary year  at  Mt.  Carmel.  Let  her  once  go 
there^  and  the  rest,  I  think,  will  prove  easy.'' 

"  Yes  ;"  responded  the  Superior.  "  When  shall 
you  start  ?" 

"  Immediately  !  See  3^ou  that  everything  requisite 
is  made  ready.  We  must  reach  Mt.  Carmel  before 
dark." 

Torillo  could  scarcely  conceal  his  pleasure,  so  con- 
fident did  he  now  feel  of  a  speedy  success  ;  but  the 
ways  of  Providence  are  inscrutable,  and  the  very  ends 
by  which  men  frequently  hope  to  accomplish  their 
purposes,  are  sometimes  turned  against  them  to  their 
own  discomfiture.  So  it  proved  with  Viola's  schem- 
ing uncle.  In  his  blind  anxiety  he  had  not  calculated 
all  the  chances,  as  wih  eoon  appear.  To  do  so  was 
beyond  the  range  of  the  human  mind. 


54  Fiola  Hastings ;  or, 


■    CHAPTER   YIII. 

VIOLA   AT    MT.    CARMEL. — THE   BREAKING    OUT    OF   THE    FEVER   IN 
THE    SOUTH. — VIOLA  A   NURSE. 

The  Convent  of  Mt.  Carmel  was  situated  in  a 
beautiful  section  of  the  country  in  the  immediate 
vicinity  of  the  city  of  Baltimore.  Thither  Viola 
Hastings  was  conveyed  by  her  uncle.  Little  passed 
between  the  two  on  the  road,  and  a  simple  farewell 
— ^not  in  anger,  however,  nor  suspiciously — when 
they  parted  at  the  Convent.  The  heart  of  the  young 
girl  was  too  full  for  words,  and  her  uncle  was  per- 
fectly satisfied,  so  long  as  his  ends  were  accomplish- 
ed, to  remain  silent. 

This  Convent,  we  will  here  state,  was  as  well  the 
abiding  place  of  the  Sisters  of  ilercy  as  the  abode 
of  Nuns.  Here  came  ignorant,  fanatical,  and  weak- 
minded  women  to  serve  a  brief  probation — longer  or 
shorter,  as  might  be  thought  necessary — ere  they 
forever  shut  themselves  out  from  God's  beautiful 
world — from  the  warm  sunshine  of  the  Almighty's 
smile — from  sympathy   with  their  fellow-creatures, 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  55 

and  from  every  humanizing  influence.  Call  that, 
who  dare,  the  religion  which  God,  in  all  his  works, 
teaches  1 

The  Sisters  of  Mercy  at  the  Convent  of  Mt.  Carmel 
were  entered  for  a  year  at  a  time  ;  and  at  the  end 
of  that  period  they  could  either  withdraw — so  it  was 
represented,  though  with  w^hat  truth  we  are  not 
prepared  to  say — renew  their  vows  for  another  year, 
or  take  the  black  vail.  Upon  their  entrance  into  the 
Convent,  each  candidate  assumed  a  religious  designa- 
tion, which  entirely  absorbed  her  own  proper  name. 
Yiola  was  given  that  of  Ursula  ;  and  henceforth  then, 
for  twelve  months,  at  least,  she  was  no  longer  Viola 
Hastings,  but  Sister  Ursula. 

Some  few  months  after  the  young  girl  had  been 
entered  at  the  Convent,  the  fatal  fever  peculiar  to 
the  southern  latitudes,  broke  out  with  most  alarming 
violence.  All  the  large  cities  were  almost  instan- 
taneously visited  by  the  fearful  scourge.  Hundreds 
died  off  daily,  and  the  most  unbounded  consternation 
prevailed  on  all  sides.  Business  was  almost  entirely 
suspended,  and  the  panic-stricken  inhabitants  fled 
precipitately,  hurrying  wildly  away  from  the  path 
of  the  irresistible  monster,  so  to  speak,  and  leaving 
but  few,  in  comparison  with  numbers,  to  nurse  the 
sick,  and  attend  to  the  dead. 

In  this  dreadful  dilemma  all  classes  of  people  were 
appealed  to  for  aid,  personal  and  pecuniar3^     It  was 


56  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

a  time  when  to  stand  back  was  out  of  the  question. 
The  demand  of  the  authorities  was  imperative,  and 
not  to  be  overlooked  or  pushed  aside. 

Many  hitherto  backward  now  responded  to  the 
call.  Among  the  number  were  the  Sisters  of  Mercy 
of  Mt.  Carmel.  Of  the  feelings  which,  as  a  body, 
influenced  them,  we  will  say  nothing — our  business 
lies  especially  with  Viola,  to  whom  the  present  con- 
dition 0^  affairs,  as  time  soon  developed,  opened  a 
new  era.  As  a  class  they  may  have  felt  the  compul- 
sion of  the  occasion,  or,  in  exposing  themselves, 
sought  to  win  sympathy  for  the  Holy  Church.  It 
was  quite  likely  to  be  either,  or  both  of  these,  as 
anything  else.  Individually  they  may  have  been 
actuated  by  entirely  different  feelings.  Be  that  as 
it  may — and  we  leave  the  reader  to  draw  his  own 
conclusions — the  Sisters  of  Mercy,  with  Viola  among 
their  number,  were  soon  en  route  for  a  point  where 
the  fever  was  raging  with  unexampled  fury,  and 
where  their  services,  or  that  of  sometody  else,  were 
most  urgently  needed. 


V'iohi  :ijid  her  Lowr. 


Patfe  1 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  57 


CHAPTER   IX. 

THE    FEVER    HOSPITAL. — VIOLa's    PATIENT. 

In  one  of  the  little  apartments  of  a  large  building 
which  had  been  converted  into  a  temporary  hospital, 
during  the  greatest  height  of  the  pestilence,  was 
reposing  the  form  of  a  man  ;  and  bending  over  his 
body  was  the  graceful  figure  of  Viola  Hastings. 

This  building — which  was  large,  and  well  adapted 
to  the  purpose  to  which  it  was  now  devoted,  having 
once  been  a  hotel — was  under  the  especial  care  of  the 
Sisters  of  Mercy  of  Mt.  Oarmel ;  and  every  room  had 
its  pestilence  stricken  patient,  and  its  attendant 
nurse  ;  the  whole  being  under  the  supervision  of  a 
Superior,  old,  argus-eyed  and  uncompromising. 

To  Viola's  care  and  attention  had  fallen  one  whose 
destiny  was  ever  after  inseparably  linked  with  her 
own  ;  and  from  this  moment  may  be  dated  the  turn- 
ing point  in  her  fate. 

Let  us  now  describe  this  person  ;  and  then  briefly 
review  a  few  subsequent  events,  materially  connected 
with  this  story,  and  the  fate  of  Viola,  though  still  not 


58  Viola  Hastings;  or^ 

of  that  interest  to  the  reader,  probably,  as  to  warrant 
us  in  entering  into  any  very  lengthy  description.  It 
will  be  seen  in  what  follows  how  Torillo  overreached 
his  own  cunning  in  sending  Viola  to  Mt.  Carmel ;  or, 
rather,  how  an  All-wise  Providence  interfered  to 
frustrate  his  designs. 

Kenneth  Egerton — Viola's  patient — was  of  pure 
American  blood.  For  generations  back  all  his  ances- 
tors had  been  American  Protestants,  and  through 
them  he  had  early  imbibed  an  unconquerable  dislike 
— and  in  after  years  his  maturer  judgment  confirmed 
his  youthful  impressions — for  every  thing  appertain- 
ing to  Roman  Catholicism.  Though  not  a  professing 
Christian,  as  the  world  goes,  a  stauncher  opponent 
of  illiberal,  bigoted  Romanism,  no  where  existed.  He 
was  one  of  those  who  believed  the  Papish  Church  to 
be  dangerous  to  our  Republican  institutions,  and  to 
our  Protestant  religion  ; — dangerous,  in  the  power 
and  unscrupulousness  of  her  priests — in  the  darkness, 
and  bigotry,  and  superstition,  of  her  followers — in  her 
greedy  thirst  for  temporal  power,  and  above  all,  in 
the  consolidation  of  all  her  elements.* 

*  G.  P.  R.  James  in  his  romance  of"  Heidelberg^^  puts  into  the  mouth  otone 
of  his  characters  some  remarks  upon  this  point,  which  are  as  applicable  now 
and  here,  as  they  were  then  and  there.    They  are  as  follows  : — 

"  This  is  in  truth,  a  struggle  betwixt  the  Protestants  and  Papists  of  Germany. 
Now,  there  is  something  in  the  very  nature  of  the  two  religions  which  gives 
disunion  to  the  one,  consolidation  to  the  other.  The  Papists  are  all  agreed  on 
every  essential  pomt,  they  are  all  tutored  in  the  same, school,  look  to  the  same 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  59 

In  years  he  counted  about  twenty-three,  and  in  per- 
sonal appearance,  when  in  a  state  of  health,  he  was 
manly,  prepossessing,  even  handsome.  And  the  very 
soul  of  honor,  he  was  always  open,  brave,  and  straight- 
forward. What  higher  compliment  can  we  pay  him, 
morally  or  physically  ? 

Through  the  influence  of  some  powerful  friends, 
whom  his  many  fine  qualities  had  early  won  to  his 
interest — his  own  immediate  family  being  reduced  in 
numbers  and  position,  and  both  his  parents  being 
dead — he  had  been  appointed  a  midshipman  in  the 
navy,  and  about  the  time  of  our  first  acquaintance 
with  him  he  had  risen  to  a  lieutenancy.     Happening 

in  the  city  of  W ,  when  the  fever  broke  out,  and 

scorning  to  desert  those  to  whom  his  services  might 
prove  so  invaluable,  he  soon  fell  a  victim  to  the  gen- 
erosity of  his  feelings,  and  in  turn  was  prostrated  by 
the  uncompromising  disease. 

From  the  very  first  moment  when  Yiola  bent  over 
the  fever-stricken  young  man,  her  feelings  had  been 

objects,  have  in  the  most  important  matters  the  same  interests.  The  least 
attack  upon  their  religion  is  a  rallying  cry  for  them  all ;  their  will  bends  to  its 
dictates,  their  banners  unfurl  at  its  call,  their  swords  spring  forth  in  its  defence. 
They  are  one  nation,  one  tribe,  by  a  stronger  tie  than  common  country  or  com- 
mon origin.  They  are  one  in  religion,  and  the  religion  is  one.  But  what  is  the 
case  with  the  Protestants  7  Split  into  sects,  divided  into  parties,  recognizing  no 
authority  but  their  own  individual  judgments,  they  hate  each  other,  with  a  hatred 
perhaps  stronger  than  that  which  they  feel  towards  the  Romanists  ;  or  are  cold 
to  each  other,  which  is  worse.  No,  no,  the  whole  tendencies  of  one  party  aro 
to  division,  the  whole  tendencies  of  the  other  to  union,  and  union  is  strength.* 


60  Viola  Hastings;  01% 

powerfully  and  entirely  enlisted  in  his  behalf ;  and 
her  attendance  at  his  bedside  soon  grew  to  be  a  plea- 
sure, notwithstanding  the  terror  which  surrounded 
her,  and  the  danger  in  Avhich  she  stood.  In  truth, 
these  latter  thoughts  scarcely  occupied  her  mind  at 
all,  so  entirely  was  she  absorbed  in  anxiety  for  her 
poor  patient.  Under  any,  and  all  circumstances,  she 
was  one  of  the  few  of  that  class  with  which  she  was 
associated,  who  would  have  performed  their  duty  to 
suffering  humanity,  whatever  its  creed,  willingly  and 
unselfishly. 

Thus  passed  many  long,  tedious,  weary  days,  and 
at  length  Kenneth  Egerton  began  to  show  signs  of 
returning  health.  He  had  battled  with  the  fierce 
monster  and  conquered. 

The  first  object  that  his  eyes  encountered  upon 
awaking  to  consciousness,  was  the  sweet,  gentle, 
beautiful  face  of  Viola — beautiful,  notwithstanding 
the  disfigurement  which  it  underwent  from  the 
ghostly  peculiarity  of  her  dress.  Shading  his  eyes 
with  his  thin  and  still  trembling  hand,  he  gazed  long 
and  fixedly  at  the  lovely  and  now  blushing  girl. 

"  What  beautiful  vision  is  this  T^  he  at  length  mur- 
mured, as  if  communing  with  himself. 

Now,  had  Viola  been  at  all  like  many  of  her  com- 
panions, she  would  have  uttered  some  pious  exclama- 
tion, and  incontinently  fled  from  the  presence  of  the 
enraptured  youth.    But,  being  of  a  different  mould, 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  61 

and  having  different  thoughts  and  feelings,  she 
remained  where  she  was,  and  replied  very  sweetly, 

"  Only  your  nurse,  sir.  I  am  very  glad  that  you 
are  so  much  better !" 

"Are  you,  indeed?^'  inquired  Kenneth,  anxious  to 
hear  again  the  tones  of  that  softly  musical  voice. 

"  0,  yes  I^'  responded  Viola,  and  with  such  a  smile 
as  can  only  spring  from  the  depths  of  a  fond,  and 
true,  and  tender  heart. 


62  Viola  Hastings;  or, 


CHAPTER    X. 

VIOLA  AND  HER  LOVER. — THE  SPY. — THE  SUMMONS. — THE  WATCH. 

VIOLA  SENT  BACK  TO  MT.  CAR  MEL. 

From  that  hour  Kenneth  Egerton  rapidly  grew 
better — as  rapidly,  at  least,  as  was  at  all  possible 
under  the  circumstances.  And  still  his  gentle  nurse 
hovered  by  his  bedside,  smoothing  his  pillow,  and, 
by  an  hundred  little  attentions,  lightening  the  days 
of  his  convalescence.  Another  power — why  linger 
on  so  palpable  a  fact? — more  potential  than  even 
duty,  now  swayed  her  heart — love.  And  the  same 
ungovernable  and  overmastering  feeling  which  had 
driven  from  her  soul  every  other  thought — almost 
every  other  consideration — had  also  taken  undisputed 
and  peremptory  possession  of  the  bosom  of  Kenneth. 

Nor  was  it  long  before  he  and  Viola  had  an  expla- 
nation and  an  understanding.  Before  the  time  came 
round  when  it  would  have  been  necessary  for  the 
young  girl  to  have  given  her  attention  elsewhere, 
there  were  no  secrets  between  her  and  her  patient. 
Each  knew  the  other's  whole  history ;  and  the  indis- 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  63 

soluble  Fond  of  mutual  love  united  them  together 
for  ever  and  ever.  This  may  seem  sudden — and,  un- 
questionably, so  it  was — but  in  their  case  none  the 
less  deep  and  lasting,  as  the  eventful  future  proved. 

The  circumstances  which  surrounded  Kenneth 
could  not  do  otherwise  than  occasionally  lead  him  to 
speak  of  Romanism  ;  and,  while  he  thanked  Viola  for 
her  kindness  to  himself  during  his  sickness,  he  yet 
freely  expressed  his  abhorrence  of  her  creed  and  her 
associations.  But  though  he  inveighed  strongly 
against  Roman  Catholicism,  in  his  liberality  he  ad- 
mitted that  there  might  be  individual  exceptions  in 
it,  as  there  were  in  everything  else. 

"  In  truth,  Viola,"  he  said,  one  evening — "  there 
micst  be  ^me  exceptions,  for  you,  yourself,  are  one — 
a  bright  and  enduring  exception.  And  yet  it  is  not 
to  such  as  you,  my  dear  girl,  that  I  refer  when  I  de- 
nounce Romanists — it  is  to  that  great  mass  of  blind, 
bigoted,  intolerant,  scheming  men  and  women,  who 
acknowledge  no  law,  no  religion,  no  good  outside  the 
limits  of  the  Holy  Church." 

Thus  talked  Kenneth  ;  and  Viola  listened  to  him, 
first  for  the  love  she  bore  himself,  and  then  for  the 
truth  which  her  own  heart  soon  whispered  her  that 
he  uttered.  Nor  did  the  ardent  and  hopeful  young 
man  stop  there.  And  what  else  did  he  hope  for? 
you  doubtless  ask.  Why,  that  as  he  had  won  the 
young  girFs  affections,  he  might  also  win  her  mind 


64  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

from  the  darkness  of  Romanism.  With  an  eloquence 
which  only  the  deepest  love  could  have  inspired,  he 
argued  against  the  unnatural  request  of  her  mother — 
declared  that  both  God  and  man  would  absolve  a 
child  from  the  fulfillment  of  such  an  obligation — that 
it  was  against  all  nature — contrary  to  true  religion — • 
opposed  to  happiness,  and  everything  that  made  life 
desirable  or  worth  possessing. 

Then  he  drew  a  vivid  picture  of  Romanism  as  it 
had  been  and  as  it  was  ;  and  as  the  burning  words 
fell  from  his  eloquent  tongue,  Viola  shuddered  and 
turned  pale.  And  then  again  he  contrasted  its  past 
and  present  history,  with  the  history  of  that  religion 
which  the  Man  Jesus  had  taught,  and  which  is  daily 
and  hourly  exhibited  in  all  the  innumerable  works 
of  God  ;  and  the  young  girPs  heart  thrilled  with  the 
blackness  and  the  terror  of  the  one,  and  the  bright- 
ness and  peace  of  the  other.  Thus  Kenneth  Egerton 
strengthened  and  confirmed  those  feelings  which  had^ 
already  unconsciously  taken  root  in  Viola^s  heart — 
thus  he  completed  what  her  own  good  and  true  na- 
ture had  been  for  some  time  striving  to  work  out. 

^' Ah,  Kenneth,  my  own  heart  responds  to  all  yon 
say,''  was  Viola's  reply,  when  at  length  her  new-found 
friend  and  lover  paused.  ^'  Long  ago  did  my  heart 
turn  to  something  brighter,  and  better,  and  purer 
than  this  creed  of  my  fathers.  All  along  I  have  felt 
that  it  lacked  something — that  it  wanted  the  holy, 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  65 


all-pervading  spirit  of  true  religion.  But  how  can  I 
escape  ?  My  uncle  will  never  let  me  marry  a  here- 
tic, even  if  I  could  make  up  my  mind  to  disregard 
my  poor,  dead  mother's  wish.  And  yet  to  me  a  Con- 
vent life  has  always  seemed  very  terrible — morally, 
physically,  and  intellectually.  0,  what  shall  I  do  ? 
what  shall  I  do  ?''  and  poor  Viola  wrung  her  little 
hands  in  agony. 

"  Put  your  trust  in  God,  Viola,  and  follow  the  dic- 
tates of  your  own  good  heart,''  rejoined  Kenneth, 
earnestly,  "  and  for  human  aid  rely  upon  my  counsel 
and  protection.  With  the  Almighty's  help  I  will  yet, 
at  some  not  very  distant  day,  extricate  you  from  all. 
But  you  must  get  me  well,  soon  ;  and  strong,  too,"  he 
added,  cheerfully  and  encouragingly. 

"  I  will  try,  hard,  very  hard,  Kenneth,"  responded 
the  young  girl,  softly ;  "  putting  my  trust  for  all 
things,  your  health  and  my  safety,  in  Him  who  is  all- 
powerful  to  aid  and  protect." 

" — sh!"  exclaimed  Kenneth,  suddenly  fixing  his 
eyes  upon  the  door,  which  was  at  the  other  end  of 
the  room,  and  lifting  his  finger  to  admonish  Viola  to 
silence. 

A  painful  stillness  fell  upon  the  little  room.  The 
twilight  of  the  evening  had  passed  away,  and  dark- 
ness was  beginning  to  mantle  the  earth  with  its 
sombre  covering.  In  the  apartment  things  were  be- 
ginning to  grow  indistinct ;  and  through  the  little 


66  Viola  Hastings  ;  or^  ' 

window  at  the  top  of  the  room,  the  golden  stars  were 
beginning  to  shine  brightly — for  God  granted  the 
sun,  and  the  moon,  and  the  stars  to  the  fever-stricken 
as  well  as  to  others.  Kenneth  had  arisen  to  his 
elbow,  and  Viola  stood  in  an  attitude  of  keen  atten- 
tion. Immediately  after  the  young  man^s  caution, 
the  pit-a-pat  of  muffled  feet  descending  the  stairs, 
was  quite  audible. 

"  Quick !"  whispered  Kenneth,  pointing  to  the 
door.     ^^Look!" 

The  young  girl  sprang  quickly  to  the  door,  but 
she  could  neither  see  nor  hear  anything. 

"  Nobody  there,  Kenneth !"  she  whispered,  return- 
ing to  the  bedside. 

*'And  yet  I  am  sure  I  heard  some  one,"  rejoined 
Kenneth,  in  a  very  low  key.     "  Did  not  you,  Viola?" 

"  Yes,"  responded  the  young  girl,  trembling  with 
alarm.  "  I  have  overstaid  the  hour,  Kenneth — see, 
'tis  quite  dark ! — and  have  been  watched." 

"  Doubtless  overheard,  too,"  said  Kenneth,  in  a 
vexed  and  disappointed  tone.  '^  How  unfortunate  at 
the  present  time,  and  under  the  present  circum- 
stances. If  I  were  only  able  to  get  i?ut,  now,  all 
would  be  well.  But,  perhaps,  they  did  not  hear 
much,  and  all  may  yet  be  well.  We  must  perforce 
wait  and  see.  But  should  they  have  chanced  to 
overhear  all,  Viola,  what  course  do  you  think  they 
will  pursue  ?" 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  67 

"  0,  Kenneth,  I  can  scarcely  guess,  but  it  will  be 
one  to  separate  us,"  murmured  Viola,  in  an  agony,  as 
she  sank  down  upon  her  knees  by  the  side  of  the  bed. 
"  But  whatever  may  happen,  please,  Kenneth,  don^t 
think  me  unmaidenly  in  so  soon,  and  confidingly, 
trusting  to  a  stranger's  words." 

"  Never,  never,  Viola !"  responded  Kenneth,  earn- 
estly, as  he  clasped  the  young  girFs  head  to  his  bo- 
som. *'  In  trusting  that  stranger,  dear  girl,  you  have 
placed  your  faith  in  one  who  honors  you  as  he  would 
his  own  mother  were  she  living,  and  loves  you  better 
than  any  other  earthly  being." 

At  that  moment  there  was  a  light  knock  upon  the 
door.  Both  Kenneth  and  Viola  started  quickly. 
The  approach  of  the  person  outside,  whoever  it 
might  be,  had  been  so  quiet  as  to  be  unobserved  by 
either  of  them. 

A  few  moments  of  silence,  only,  had  elapsed,  when 
the  knock  was  repeated,  and  this  time  a  little  louder 
than  at  the  first. 

"  Viola,  bid  them  enter,"  whispered  Kenneth,  lay- 
ing himself  back,  and  drawing  up  the  bei-clothes  so 
as  to  conceal,  in  part,  his  face.  "  It  is  best,  under 
the  circumstances,  for  you  to  speak." 

"  Come  in,  whoever  knocks,"  said  the  young  girl, 
in  low  and  tremulous  tones,  for  her  heart  was  filled 
with  the  presentiment  of  coming  evil. 

The  words  had  barely  passed  her  lips,  when  one  of 


68  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 

the  Sisters,  quietly,  and  with  a  cat-like  movement, 
entered  the  apartment.  Stationing  herself  just  in- 
side of  the  door,  she  appeared  to  wait  to  be  addressed. 
A  moment  of  silence  ensued,  when  Viola  found 
courage  to  ask — 

"  What  does  Sister  Theresa  desire  ?" 

"  The  worthy  Superior  would  speak  with  Sister 
Ursula,"  responded  the  intruder,  never  lifting  her 
downcast  eyes. 

"  I  will  come  to  her  immediately/'  rejoined  Yiola, 
with  a  sinking  heart. 

But  the  Sister  did  not  move. 

"  I  will  come  to  her  immediately,  I  say,  Sister 
Theresa,"  repeated  Viola,  anxious  to  have  a  parting 
word — for  she  intuitively  felt  that  they  were  about 
to  part — with  the  being  who  had  so  suddenly  and 
irrevocably  won  her  heart. 

^^  Our  worthy  Superior  bade  me  co7iduct  you  to  her 
presence,"  responded  Sister  Theresa,  laying  marked 
emphasis  on  the  word  "  conduct." 

Viola  felt  that  there  was  no  alternative,  and  so 
prepared  to  quit  the  apartment.  To  speak  with 
Kenneth  was  now  out  of  the  question.  Before  start- 
ing, however,  she  turned  her  face  towards  the  cot. 
Her  eyes,  in  that  moment,  encountered  the  young 
man's  ardent  gaze,  and  his  expressive  look  said  plain- 
ly— "  hope !"     Stealthily  grasping  her  hand  in  his, 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faii'i.  69 


Kenneth  pressed  it  earnestly  ;  and  then  Viola  fol- 
lowed her  companion  from  the  room. 

Yes,  Viola,  hope ! — though  thy  path  is  dark,  and 
thy  sky  betokens  a  storm,  still  "  hope/'  Be  thy 
prayer  the  same  as  that  of  one  now  dead  and  gone  : — 

"  Sweet  day-star  of  the  heart !  thou  light  divine  !. 

Immortal  Hope  !  be  thou  forever  mine !" 

Jos.  H.  Butler. 

*  -X-  ^  -X-  -Jf  -Jf 

In  one  of  the  rooms  of  that  portion  of  the  building 
occupied  by  the  Sisters  of  Mercy,  sat  the  Superior, 
stiff,  stern,  severe.  Without  a  word  of  explanation 
— without  the  slightest  reference  to  any  knowledge 
which  she  had  so  surreptitiously  obtained,  she  said 
to  Viola,  as  the  young  girl  timidly  entered  the  apart- 
ment : — 

"  Sister  Ursula,  this  close  attention  upon  the  sick 
is  not  good  for  you,  and  will  affect  your  health.  I 
see  it  now  ;  and  as  I  can  dispense  with  your  services 
— the  fever  being  on  the  decrease — ^you  will  be  glad 
to  know  that  I  have  decided  upon  sending  you  back 
to  the  Convent,  immediately  !  Sister  Theresa,  and 
Sister  Frances,  will  accompany  you." 

Viola  understood  it  all,  and  knew  it  would  be  use- 
less to  murmur  or  object.  That  her  position  with 
Kenneth  had  been  detected,  she  felt  satisfied. 

"  You  will  sleep  with  me  to-night.  Sister  Ursula,  so 
that  you  may  be  prepared  for  an  early  start  in  the 


70  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

morning,"  continued  the  Superior,  who  was  deter- 
mined not  to  let  the  young  girl  out  of  her  sight,  even 
for  a  moment.  Then  turning  to  Sister  Theresa,  she 
said — "  Summon  the  Sisters  for  vespers." 

All  that  night  Yiola  was  closely  watched,  and  the 
following  morning,  accompanied  by  the  two  Sisters 
delegated  for  the  duty,  she  departed  on  her  journey  ; 
but  not,  as  will  hereafter  be  shown,  entirely  without 
hope. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  71 


CHAPTER    XI. 

iiNNETH'S    NEW    NURSE. — THE    DISCOVERY. —  THE    COUNTERPLOT. 

Instead,  however,  of  at  once  following  the  course 
of  the  young  girl,  we  will  for  the  present  remain  at 
the  hospital,  and  acquaint  ourselves  with  w^hat  is 
transpiring  there.  And  to  understand  the  particulars 
fully  we  will  go  back  to  the  night  previous. 

As  Yiola  disappeared  from  the  little  apartment 
occupied  by  Kenneth,  the  youth  pressed  his  hand  to 
his  forehead  and  murmured,  sadly, — 

"  Gone  !  How  dull  and  dark  the  place  seems  with- 
out her,  and  how  bright  and  pleasant  when  she  is 
here !  Who  would  imagine  that  I  should  so  miss  her? 
How  strange  and  sudden  is  often  the  workings  of  the 
heart !  -Ah !  w^ould  that  she  could  remain  forever  by 
my  side  !^' 

Better  than  life  did  he  already  love  the  young  girl  j 
for  in  that  hour  it  indeed  seemed  to  him,  that 

" life  without  her  smile  would  be, 

Like  earth  without  a  flower."  Jos.  H.  Butler. 

For  long  hours  Kenneth— heedless  of  every  want — 


72  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 

lay  upon  his  back  thinking  of  Viola  ;  of  the  singu- 
larity of  their  acquaintance  ;  of  the  depth  of  his  own 
love  ;  of  the  young  girl's  position  ;  and  of  what 
course  was  best  for  him,  under  the  circumstances,  to 
pursue. 

That  he  would  have  strong,  cunning,  artful  opposi- 
tion to  contend  with,  he  had  too  much  good  sense, 
ind  too  intimate  a  knowledge  of  the  character  of 
Jesuitical  Romanism  to  doubt.  But  he  was  brave, 
and  when  conscious  that  he  was  right,  as  mature 
deliberation  convinced  him  he  was  in  regard  to  Viola, 
he  was  unyielding. 

Thus  the  evening  passed  away  ;  and  at  length  Ken- 
neth began  to  grow  nervously  anxious  ;  not  for  him- 
self, but  for  the  being  into  whose  society  he  had  been 
60  strangely  thrown. 

It  had  hitherto  been  Viola's  custom  to  visit  him 
two  or  three  times  after  dark,  and  now  she  had  not 
come  once.  True,  he  was  fast  growing  better  ;  but 
what  duty  had  at  first  demanded,  love  afterwards,  in 
the  one  case,  insisted  upon,  and  in  the  other,  prompted 
to.  And  therefore  on  this  night  he  was  quick  to  miss 
her  attendance,  and  wondered  at  it. 

"  Can  they  really  have  discovered  us,  and  prevented 
her  coming  here  ?"  he  murmured,  to  himself ;  and 
with  the  excitement  of  the  thought  he  even  made  an 
effort  to  rise  ;  but  finding  himself  still  too  weak  for 
such  exertion,  he  sank  back  again  upon  the  pillow. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  73 

Shortly  after  that  a  negro  man,  with  a  lighted  can- 
dle in  one  hand  and  a  tray  of  refreshments  in  the 
other,  entered  the  apartment.  Kenneth  felt  aston- 
ished, grieved,  and  vexed,  at  the  change  which  he 
quickly  comprehended.  His  worst  suspicions,  he 
thought  to  himself,  were  then  correct. 

"Who  are  you?"  he  demanded,  abruptly  and 
angrily  ;  for,  being  but  human,  he  found  it  impossible 
to  repress  his  feelings  entirely. 

"  Who  is  I,  marster  I"  responded  the  negro,  at  the 
same  time  busying  himself  in  arranging  what  things 
he  thought  were  out  of  place  around  the  room.  "  Dat 
am  a  'kestion  to  ax !  I'se  a  nigga,  dat  am  a  fac^ ;  a 
poo'  mis'ble  nigga.     Dat's  so,  marster  !" 

''  Well,  but  what's  your  name  ?"' 

"  0,  what  dey  call  me  1  Well,  I'se  comly  called 
Sip  ;  sumtimes  ole  marster — 'specially  jest  arter 
dinna — call  me,  Scipio  ;  an'  sumtimes  missus — who's 
berry  perlite — she  call  me,  Scipio  Africanus.  Fac', 
marster." 

"  That  name  and  that  voice  !  It  must  be  the  same, 
though  by  this  indistinct  light  I  cannot  say  for  cer- 
tain. I'll  question  him.  If  it  turns  out  to  be  Rob- 
son's  man,  it  will  be  very  fortunate." 

Thus  Kenneth  mused.    Then  addressing  the  negro, 
he  inquired, — 
*    "  My  man,  who  do  you  belong  to  ?" 


74  ^lola  Hastings  ;  or, 

"■  ^Long  to  !  Why,  ole  Marster  Robson,  ohu !  He's 
dun  gone  away  norf,  doe,  till  Yaller  Jack  leab." 

"  I  thought  I  could  not  be  mistaken,"  murmured 
Kenneth.  "  Here,  my  man,"  he  continued,  aloud, 
*'  don^t  you  know  me  ?" 

"  Well,  I  dunno  'zactly,"  responded  the  negro, 
dubiously.  "  Yaller  Jack  change  de  folks  so  funnilly, 
berry  hard  to  'nize  'em." 

"  Well,  bring  the  light  and  come  here  and  look  at 
me,"  said  Kenneth.  \ 

The  negro  instantly  complied ;  and  the  moment  his 
eyes  rested  upon  the  face  of  Kenneth,  his  dingy 
countenance  lighted  up. 

"  Well,  dar  !"  he  exclaimed,  raising  up  his  hands  in 
wonder.     "  Am  dat  you,  Marster  Egaton  ?" 

^^  The  same,  Scipio,  though  not  quite  so  fresh  and 
strong  as  when  you  last  saw  me." 

"  Well,  who'd  a  fought  dat  you  was  in  dis  yere 
house  !  Ef  I'd  a  only  know'd  it,  Marster  Egaton,  I'd 
a  bin  here  afore.     Cat's  so,  now  !" 

*'  I  don't  doubt  it,  Scipio.  But  now^  tell  me,  what 
are  you  doing  here?" 

"  Well,  I'se  a  nuss.  Dat  is,  I  tends  to  de  patients 
when  dey  am  gettin'  better,  so  dat  de  wimmin  folks 
kin  tend  to  de  wusser  ones.  Marster,.  you  see,  he 
hired  me  to  de  'forities  ;  but  I  dun  like  de  job,  doe, 
mu3h.     Dat's  so,  marster  Egaton." 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  75 

"  And  you  have  now  been  sent  here  to  wait  upon 
me  r 

*'  Dat's  so,  too,  Marster  Egaton.  An'  de  high 
golly !  but  Tse  glad  ob  it,  bein'  dat  it's  you." 

**  I  believe  you,  Scipio." 

Now  Kenneth  could  not  but  think — and  he  fancied 
he  had  very  good  reasons  for  doing  so — that  other 
causes  besides  his  apparent  convalescence  had  indu- 
ced the  withdrawal  of  Viola  ;  and  he  determined,  if 
possible,  to  find  them  out.  Scipio  was  the  property 
of  one  of  his  oldest  friends — a  man,  kind  and  indul- 
gent in  some  respects  ;  passionate,  hasty,  and  tyran- 
nical in  others — and  having  frequently  saved  the 
negro  from  the  lash,  he  felt  he  could  safely  trust  to 
his  gratitude. 

"  Scipio,  I  want  to  have  a  little  talk  w^ith  you,"  he 
said,  addressing  the  negro,  after  a  pause  of  a  few 
moments,  which  he  had  occupied  in  the  reflections 
just  recorded. 

*'  I'se  all  'tention,  Marster  Egaton,"  rejoined  the 
black,  with  every  evidence  of  high  satisfaction. 

"  First  see  that  yonder  door  is  closed  tight,  and 
then  stuff  something  in  the  key-hole." 

The  negro  opened  his  great  eyes  with  wonder,  but 
unhesitatingly  did  as  he  was  directed. 

*'  The  nurses  in  this  house,  I  am  afraid,  have  a 
strange  propensity  for  listening,"  remarked  Kenneth, 
,in  explanation. 


76  Viola  Hastings;  or^ 


"  Dat's  so  !"  responded  the  negro,  clapping  the  fore- 
jBnger  of  his  left  hand  against  the  side  of  his  nose, 
and  gazing  into  Kenneth^s  face  TVith  a  knowing  ex- 
pression. 

*'  I  thought  as  much,"  rejoined  the  young  man. 
*^  And  now,  Scipio,  listen  to  me.  I  have  a  little  busi- 
ness that  I  want  you  to  attend  to,  and  if  you  faith- 
fully carry  out  my  directions,  you  shall  be  liberally 
rewarded." 

"Nebbermind  de  Vard,  Marster  Egaton.  Til  do 
it  for  yourself  widout  any  Vard.     Dat's  so,  now  I" 

"  Well,  can  you  keep  a  secret  ?" 

"  Fo'  shu  I  can,  Marster  Egaton." 

"  And  will  you  be  very  faithful  to  my  interests  ?" 

"  Marster,  Tse  only  a  mis'ble  niggar,  I  know  ;  but 
de  high  golly,  niggar  or  no  niggar,  I  know  who'se  dis 
chile's  friends.     Cat's  so,  mine  now  1" 

"  I  don't  doubt  it,  Scipio,"  rejoined  Kenneth,  con- 
fidently. "  And  now  tell  me,  do  you  know  which 
Sister  waited  on  me  during  my  illness  ?" 

"  Not  'zactly,  marster  ;  kase,  you  see,  dare  am  so 
many  sick  folks  in  dis  house,  an'  so  many  nusses,  dat 
I  didn't  pay  ticklar  'tention." 

*'  She  was  called  Sister  Ursula,"  pursued  Kenneth. 
"  Do  you  know  her  ?" 

''  Not  'zactly,  Marster  Egaton." 

"  Can  you  find  her  out  ?" 

"  Fo'  shu  I  can." 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  77 

"  Do  so,  then,"  continued  Kenneth.  "  And  when 
you  have  accomplished  that,  endeavor  to  find  an  op- 
portunity to  speak  with  her.  Tell  her  then  that  you 
come  from  me,  and  she  will  know  what  reply  to  make 
you.    But  you  must  be  very  secret,  Scipio,  very.'' 

"  Trus'  dis  chile,  Marster  Egaton." 

"  I  will,  Scipio,  for  I  know  you  to  be  both  honest 
and  quick-witted." 

**I'se  honest,  Marster  Egaton,  dat's  sartin,"  rejoin- 
ed the  negro.  "  But  here  am  your  supper.  Eat 
sumfin',  now,  so  dat  you  git  strong." 

"  Rather  a  late  hour  for  supper,  Scipio,"  remarked 
Kenneth. 

"  Dat's  so,  Marster  Egaton  ;  an'  I  don't  'zactly 
'stand  why  you  didn't  get  it  afore.  But,  howsomd- 
ever,  marster,  it's  better  late  dan  nebber." 

Scipio  had  now  arranged  the  edibles  before  Ken- 
neth, and  the  youth  fell  to  with  an  avidity  that  caused 
the  negro  to  cry  out  with  astonishment — 

"  De  high  golly,  Marster  Egaton,  you  soon  git  out 
o'  dis  yere  !    Cat's  a  fac !" 

The  meal  finished,  Scipio,  with  another  caution  as 
to  the  course  he  was  to  pursue,  took  up  the  things  and 
quitted  the  apartment ;  and  Kenneth,  notwithstand- 
ing the  excited  condition  of  hismind,  soon  sank  into 
a  heavy  slumber. 

Towards  midnight  he  was  aroused  from  his  sleep 


78  r7o/a  Hastings;  or, 

by  some  one  shaking  him.  Upon  opening  his  eyes 
he  beheld  the  negro  standing  over  him. 

"  Well,  Scipio,  have  you  seen  her  ?"  he  eagerly  de- 
manded, when  sufficiently  awake  to  collect  his  facul- 
ties. 

^'  Xot  by  'siderable,  marster  !  De  ole  ^oman  tuk  her 
under  her  'special  car,  an^  I  know'd  twar^ent  no  use 
to  try  whatsomdever.  Vve  seen  'siderable  of  dese 
y^re  funnelly  queer  wimmin,  an'  I  know'd  dat  de 
game  was  up  in  dat  quarter.  So  I  jist  went  waystin' 
roun'  de  house,  tinkin'  dat  maybe  I'd  oberhar  sumfin'. 
Shu  enough,  Marster  Egaton,  I  did." 

"  And  what  was  it,  Scipio  ?''  demanded  Kenneth, 
excitedly.     *'  Speak  quickly,  for  I  am  all  on  the  rack." 

*'  I  well,  Marster  Egaton.  Up  dar," — the  negro 
pointed  overhead — ''  dere's  a  man  what's  jis  come  in, 
an'  Jack's  got  him  tight.  Two  o'  dese  yere  nusses 
am  in  he  room.  I  heerd  dem  whisperin',  buz,  buz, 
buz,  so  I  jist  fought  I'd  stop  an' listen  to  de  key-hole. 
Ebberyting  was  still,  but  sumhow  I  couldn't  make 
out  much,  no  how  :  but  I  heerd  dem  talkin'  sumfin' 
'bout  de  heritic,  an'  'bout  Sister  Usuler,  an'  'bout 
sumbody's  gwain  away  to-morrow  mornin'  ;  but  I 
couldn't  stand  who  'twas,  or  whar  dey  was  gwain." 

"  Without  a  doubt  it  was  of  Viola  they  were  speak- 
ing," responded  Kenneth,  partly  to  himself,  and 
partly  to  the  negro.  "  And  so  they  have  discovered 
all,  and  she  is  to  be  removed,"  he  mused.     '*  But 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  79 

whither  ?  yes,  whither  ?  That  I  must  find  out !  0, 
that  I  were  out  of  this  !^^  Then  addressing  the  ne- 
gro, he  inquired,  "  Scipio,  is  there  no  way  of  speak- 
ing with  Sister  Ursula  to-night  ?" 

"  Not  de  fust  chance,  Marster  Egaton.  Mine,  dat's 
so  now,  sur,  or  dis  niggar  wouldn't  nebber  say  it." 

For  a  few  moments  Kenneth  was  absorbed  in 
thought. 

"  Scipio,"  he  said,  at  length,  "  you  must  be  on  the 
watch  early  to-morrow  morning.  When  Sister  Ursula 
leaves  be  sure  to  be  near  at  hand- — if  possible,  en- 
deavor to  speak  with  her  ;  but  if  you  cannot  accom- 
plish that,  mark  well  every  word  that  is  uttered. 
Something  may  transpire  from  which  I  can  form  an 
idea  of  the  young  lady's  destination  ;  and  that  is 
what  I  am  most  anxious  to  know." 

"  111  be  dar,  Marster  Egaton,  I  will." 

"  Very  well,  Scipio.  Remember  the  directions  I 
have  given  you,  and  be  vigilant.  And  now,  good 
night." 

"With  a  scrape,  and  a  "  berry  good  night,"  the  negro 
again  quitted  the  apartment. 


80  Viola  Hastings;  or. 


CHAPTER    XII. 

DEPARTURE  OF  VIOLA  FOR  MT.  CARMEL. — SCIPIO  IN  HER  TRACKS. 

KENNETH  CONVALESCENT. 

Early  the  following  morning  Scipio  was  astir, 
eagerly  and  keenly  watching  every  movement  that 
transpired  in  the  building.  Nothing  unusual  occurred, 
however,  until  some  few  hours  later,  at  which  time  a 
carriage  was  driven  up  to  the  door.  Scipio  was  in- 
stantly on  the  alert ;  and  stationing  himself  in  a  po- 
sition that  enabled  him  to  see  every  person  who. 
passed  in  or  out  of  the  house,  without  himself  being 
seen,  he  leisurely  awaited  the  coming  events. 

In  a  short  time  the  vinegar-faced  Superior,  accom- 
panied by  Sister  Theresa,  Sister  Prances,  and  Viola, 
made  their  appearance  in  the  large  hall. 

"  I  hope  that  you  will  have  a  pleasant  journey, 
Sister  Ursula,^'  remarked  the  Superior,  in  the  most 
uncompromising  manner. 

"I  hope  so,  madam,"  rejoined  Viola,  with  a  sad- 
ness in  the  tones  of  her  voice  that  betokened  any- 
thing but  anticipated  pleasure. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  end  Faith,  81 

With  that  they  passed  on  toward  the  front  door. 

"  Dat  am  she,  am  it  ?"  muttered  Scipio,  to  himself, 
as  he  peeped  out  from  his  hiding  place.  "  She  am 
an  angel,  an^  no  mistake.     Dat's  so !" 

With  a  noiseless  movement  the  negro  glided  from 
his  hiding  place,  passed  out,  unobserved,  through  the 
back  part  of  the  building,  and  headed  the  carriage 
off  at  the  first  cross  street.  Without  attracting  any 
attention,  he  jumped  up  behind.  As  soon  as  the  car- 
riage halted — which  it  did  at  the  steamboat  landing — 
he  leaped  to  his  feet,  and  with  an  obsequiousness 
entirely  irresistible,  proceeded  to  open  the  carriage 
door  for  the  occupants  to  alight.  In  his  opinion  the 
case  was  getting  desperate,  and  demanded  desperate 
measures.  He  had  been  directed  to  find  out  Viola's 
destination,  and  he  felt  the  last  chance  of' doing  so 
fast  slipping  through  his  fingers. 

The  females — even  Viola — looked  astonished  at 
seeing  him  ;  and  Sister  Theresa  frowningly  inquired, 

^'  What  brought  you  after  us  V^ 

"  Well,  I  fought  dat  maybe  you  free  lone  wimmin 
might  want  a  little  'sistance  ;  an'  bein'  as  we  was  all 
nusses,  I  'eluded  to  offer  my  services.  Dat's  so, 
now !"  responded  the  negro,  very  innocently. 

At  that  moment   some   bustle  very  opportunely 

attracted  the  attention  of  the  party,  during  which 

momentary  abstraction  Scipio  managed  to  give  one 

of  the  horses  a  punch  that  set  him  rearing  very  vio- 

4* 


82  •         Viola  Hastings ;  or, 

lently.  This  created  a  confusion,  in  tie  midst  of. 
which  the  negro  managed  very  adroitly  to  get  close 
beside  Viola,  into  whose  ear  he  quickly  whispered — 

"  Marster  Egaton  want  to  know  whar  you  gwain  !^' 

Viola  cast  one  lightning  glance  at  the  black,  and 
then  whispered  back — • 

"  Mt.  Carmel !'' 

The  next  moment  the  confusion  subsided,  and  the 
Sisters  hurried  Viola  away  ;  and  though  Scipio  fol- 
lowed them  in  the  hope  of  learning  more,  he  was 
entirely  disappointed. 

*  *  ^  *  -Sf  -H- 

In  the  meantime  Kenneth  had  been  visited  by  the 
principal  attending  physician,  who  pronounced  him 
out  of  all  danger  ;  and  shortly  after  the  doctor's  de- 
parture the  old  Superior  herself,  her  sallow  brow 
wrinkled  by  a  deep  frown,  entered  the  apartment, 
and  spread  before  the  youth  his  morning  repast. 
Kenneth  made  neither  remark  nor  inquiry,  which, 
from  the  old  Superior's  fidgetting,  she  evidently  ex- 
pected that  he  would.     He  was  on  his  guard. 

"  The  physician  informs  me  that  you  will  soon  be 
in  a  condition  to  get  out,"  at  length  remarked  the 
woman,  in  unbending  tones.  "A  circumstance  with 
which  you  are,  no  doubt,  highly  gratified. '^ 

"  Indeed  I  am,  madam  !"  responded  Kenneth,  so 
earnestly  as  to  attract  the  Superior's  particular 
attention.     "And  who   in   my  situation  would  nox 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  83 

be  V^  he  continued,  with  a  view  to  qualify  the  energy 
of  his  first  declaration. 

'^  Ah !"  ejaculated  the  Superior.  "  From  the  earn- 
estness of  your  reply  I  thought  that,  probably,  you 
had  some  particular  reason  for  rejoicing." 

Kenneth  saw  the  point  at  which  his  interlocutor 
was  aiming,  and  simply  answered — • 

"  The  wish  to  be  in  good  health  is  but  natural  with 
everybody." 

A  pause  of  several  moments  ensued. 

"  You,  probably,  wondered  at  our  changing  your 
nurse,"  continued  the  Superior,  more  pointedly. 

*'  Not  at  all,"  rejoined  Kenneth,  truthfully ;  for 
under  the  circumstances,  he  did  not  wonder  at  it,  but 
rather  would  have  wondered  had  it  been  otherwise. 
"  Doubtless  you  had  your  reasons  for  doing  so,  and 
it  is  not  for  me  to  question  any  arrangements  that 
you  make,"  he  added. 

The  old  Superior  was  annoyed,  and  defeated  by 
Kenneth^s  seeming  indifference,  and  she  dropped  the 
subject  with  the  following  remark  : 

*'  We  have  made  it  a  rule  to  place  the  negro  in 
attendance  upon  those  patients  who  are  recovering, 
so  that  the  presence  of  the  Sisters  may  be  had  where 
they  are  most  needed." 

With  this  indirect  falsehood  she  swept  from  the 
room.  In  one  view  of  the  case,  her  words  were  true, 
and  in  another   they  were   utterly   false.     Though 


84  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

Viola's  attention  would,  doubtless,  soon  have  been 
withdrawn  from  Kenneth,  ye,t,  as  w^e  well  know, 
there  were  other  circumstances  that  hastened  the 
change. 

Immediately  after  the  disappearance  of  the  Supe- 
rior, Scipio,  as  if  he  had  been  watching  for  her  de- 
parture, entered  the  room. 

"  Well,  Scipio,  what  news  V^  demanded  Kenneth, 
eagerly.     ''  Is  the  young  lady  gone  V^ 

"  Sister  Usuler,  you  mean,  Marster  Egaton  V^ 

"  Yes !'' 

*^  Well,  she  am  !'' 

"  And  did  you  learn  whither  V' 

"  Fo'  shu  !^' 

"  Well,  where  V 

Scipio  then  entered  into  a  detailed  description  ot 
his  morning's  adventure,  and  Kenneth  heard  him 
through,  prolix  as  he  was,  without  once  interrupting 
him. 

"And  so  they  have  taken  her  back  to  Mt.  Car- 
mel  I''  muttered  the  youth,  when  the  negro  finished. 
"  I  shall  follow  her.  And  Heaven  grant  that  I  may 
soon  have  back  my  strength !" 

Less  than  a  week  after,  Kenneth  Egerton  quitted 
the  fever  hospital,  comparatively  well. 


The  Triumph  of  Lovt,  and  Faith.  85 


CHAPTER   XIII. 

VIOLA  AT  MT,  CARMEL. — INTERVIEW  WITH  HER  UNCLE.— GOING 
BACK  TO  THE  OLD  MANSION  HOUSE. 

The  scene  of  our  story  now  changes  to  Mt,  Carmel. 

Immediately  after  the  arrival  of  Viola  at  the  Con- 
vent, a  full  report  of  all  that  had  transpired  was 
made  out  and  forwarded  to  her  uncle. 

A  few  days  later  and  Torillo  made  his  appearance, 
raging  with  anger  and  disappointH>ent.  Here  was  a 
contingency  he  had  not  looked  for,  and  he  was  as 
furious  at  those  who  had  permitted  it  to  occur,  as  he 
was  at  Viola  for  unconsciously  profiting  by  it.  He 
instantly  foresaw  that  all  hope  of  inducing  his  niece 
to  take  the  vail,  was  at  an  end.  As  yet,  however,  he 
had  resolved  upon  nothing,  further  than  to  take  her 
home. 

The  apartment  in  which  the  uncle  and  niece  com- 
municated together  was  quite  diminutive,  and  pre- 
sented, altogether — to  one  unused  to  such  places,  at 
least — a  somewhat  singular  appearance  ; — three  sides 
being  white-washed  wall,  while  the  fourth  was  com- 


86  Viola  Hastings;  or. 


posed  of  a  grating  similar  to  those  which  may  be  seen 
in  prisons.  The  floor  was  uncarpeted  ;  and  in  the 
way  of  furniture  it  contained  only  a  few  ancient  and 
worn  chairs.  From  behind  the  before-mentioned 
grating,  it  was  customary  for  the  abbess  and  the  nuns 
to  converse  with  visitors.  On  this  occasion,  how- 
ever, and  in  consideration  of  Torillo^s  position  and 
influence,  Viola  made  her  appearance  outside  of  the 
grating. 

At  the  first  sound  of  the  young  girFs  steps,  the 
designing  Jesuit  smoothed  his  angry  brow,  and  again 
prepared  to  play  the  hypocrite. 

"  I  must  get  her  home,^'  he  muttered  to  himself, 
"  and  it  will  not  do  to  frighten  her  now,  or  she  may 
give  me  trouble  on  the  road.  Once  there,  and  I  will 
put  an  end  to  this  trifling.  There  are  dungeons 
under  the  old  house  as  safe  as  the  grave  ;  and  if  she 
will  do  as  she  pleases  she  must  take  the  consequences. 
Have  her  out  of  the  way,  somehow,  I  will,  I  miistj  and 
that  quickly.'' 

"  Uncle,  I  am  come,"  said  Viola  as  she  entered  the 
apartment ;  and  as  she  spoke  she  cast  an  anxious 
glance  at  Torillo's  face.  But  there  was  nothing 
there  to  indicate  what  was  passing  in  his  mind.  As 
to  her  he  had  always  appeared,  so  was  he  now — kind, 
considerate  and  loving. 

"  You  are  looking  well,  Viola,"  he  said.  "  A  little 
pale,   it    is    true,   but    well ;    notwithstanding    the 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  87 


harassing  scenes  through  which  you  must  have  lately 
passed.'^ 

Viola  trembled,  and  with  a  nervous  start  made 
answer, — 

''  I  am  glad  you  think  so,  uncle  !'' 

"  She  trembles  at  the  merest  approach  to  the  sub- 
ject," said  her  uncle,  mentall}^  "  They  were  not 
then  deceived,  and  it  is  as  they  represented.  My 
course  is  plain.  I  w^ill  seem'to  be  in  ignorance  of  all 
that  has  transpired,  and  treat  her  as  though  nothing 
unusual  had  occurred."  Then  turning  to  the  young 
girl,  he  said,  aloud, — "  Well,  my  dear  child,  your  year 
of  probation  has  almost  expired.  And  how  stands  it 
with  you,  now  ?  Is  your  mind  yet  made  up  to  carry 
out  your  mother^s  last  request,  or  are  you  still  deci- 
ded to  the  contrary  ?" 

Torillo  spoke  kindly  ;  but  not,  however,  with  any 
hope  to  induce  Viola  to  now  immure  herself  in  a 
Convent,  but  only  to  mislead  her. 

His  inquiry  was  followed  by  several  moments  of 
silence,  during  which  the  young  girl  was  inwardly 
seeking  strength  to  speak  her  mind — as  she  now  felt 
impelled  to — freely.  Tv/o  things  she  dreaded  greatly, 
how^ever — her  uncle's  anger,  and  the  fear  that  her 
own  conscience  would  afterwards  upbraid  her  for 
paying  so  little  attention  to  her  mother's  wish.  And 
that  the  former  was  fearful  when  aroused — and  might 
not  her  persevering  opposition  to  what  w^as  evidently 


Viola  Hastings;  or, 


his  wish  because  it  was  her  motler^s,  arouse  it  ? — she 
knew  full  well,  though  never  yet  had  it  lighted  on  her 
young  head.  She  had  always  dreaded  the  moment 
that  it  ever  should. 

At  length  she  answered  her  uncle,  slowly,  calmly, 
but  with  a  great  eflfort. 

"  It  is  best,  uncle,  that  you  should  wholly  under- 
stand my  feelings  on  this  point,"  she  said.  "  And 
that  I  have  considered  the  subject,  deeply,  day  and 
night,  in  tears  and  in  sorrow,  there  should  be,  can 
be,  no  doubt  in  your  mind/^ 

"I  hear  you,  Viola,"  rejoined  Torillo,  calmly  and 
mildly. 

"  From  the  first,  uncle,  I  have  looked  with  horror 
on  a  Convent  life,"  continued  the  young  girl,  sum- 
moning up  all  her  energy.  "  I  cannot  tell  what  actu- 
ated me  at  the  first,  but  the  feeling  has  long  been 
deeply  rooted  in  my  heart.  And  now,  uncle,  reflec- 
tion convinces  me  that  it  is  both  sinful  and  unnatural 
for  any  human  being  to  thus  sequester  themselves." 

**Even  already  is  she  more  than  half  a  heretic  I" 
said  Torillo,  within  himself.  Then  addressing  Viola, 
he  said  with  seeming  indifference, — "  Go  on,  my  child, 
I  am  listening  to  you." 

How  mildly  he  spoke  !  And  in  that  moment  who 
would  have  dreamed  of  all  that  lay  beneath  the  sur- 
face? 

"  For  my  mother's  wish,  uncle,  I  am  deeply  grieved," 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  ..  'aith.  89 

continued  Viola.  ''  Living,  I  never  disobeyed  her, 
youthful  as  I  was  when  she  died.  I  can  well  remem- 
ber that ;  and  to  do  so  now,  even  though  she  is  not 
here  to  know  it,  gives  me  greater  pain  than  I  can 
find  w^ords  to  express." 

"  Why  do  so,  then  V^  demanded  Torillo. 

Viola  answered  with  an  energy  her  uncle  had 
never  l^efore  seen  her  exhibit — 

"  Because  all  my  heart !  all  my  soul !  all  my  na- 
ture, cries  out  against  the  sacrifice  !"  she  exclaimed. 
"  Because  I  believe  that  my  mother,  were  she  now 
living,  would  revoke  the  cruel  sentence — because  I 
feel  that  either  the  dark  shadows  of  the  grave  warped 
her  understanding,  or  some  fear  of  the  living  influ- 
enced her  mind,  when  thus  she  consigned  me,  her 
darling,  only  child,  to  the  fate  of  such  a  living  tomb. 
And  for  this  disregard  of  my  mother's  wish,  I  am 
sure  the  Almighty  Searcher  of  human  hearts  will 
forgive  me,  for  He,  at  least,  need  not  be  told  that  I 
am  honest  in  my  convictions,  and  mean  well  by  what 
I  do.'' 

"  The  child  is  no  longer  a  child,"  thought  Torillo. 
"  And  this  is,  partly,  the  work  of  that  accursed  fever- 
struck  heretic.  Maledictions  on  his  soft  tongue ! 
And  does  he  think  thus  to  step  in  between  me  and 
my  purposes  with  impunity  ?  Let  him  look  to  him- 
self if  we  should  ever  chance  to  meet."  Then 
speaking  aloud,  he  said  to  Viola, — "  From  this  time, 


90  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

my  child.  I  am  to  infer  that  your  decision  is  adverse 
to  your  mother's  wishes  V^ 

"  For  the  present,  uncle,  yes  !"  responded  Viola, 
but  not  without  an  anxious  fear  for  the  result. 

''  For  the  present  /"  Torillo  repeated,  mentally  and 
bitterly.  "  She  fears  to  say  out  boldly  that  she  will 
not.^'  Then  again  addressing  the  young  girl,  he  con- 
tinued, kindly  and  softly, — '^  Well,  well,  my  dear 
child,  I  shall  not  urge  you  any  more.  And  this  be- 
ing your  resolve,  it  is  useless  to  remain  here.  Let 
us,  then,  return  home.  Indeed  I  can  scarcely  say,  to 
tell  the  real  truth,  but  that  in  my  heart  I  am  now 
pleased  with  your  determination,"  he  continued,  with 
a  sublimity  of  hypocrisy.  "  Since  you  have  been 
away,  my  child,  the  old  house  has  seemed  particu- 
larly dull  and  stupid  ;  and  I  must  confess  that  lately 
I  have  often  wished  you  back  again." 

Viola  was  confounded.  She  had  fully  expected  to 
behold  an  outburst  of  violence,  and  here  was  her 
uncle's  demeanor  unruffled — nay,  more,  he  was  posi- 
tively kind.  She  could  not  see  the  storm  that  ^vas 
raging  in  his  heart,  and  which  policy,  only,  prevented 
from  breaking  forth.  Still  she  had  her  misgivings  ; 
for,  under  the  circumstances,  his  calmness,  and  kind- 
ness, and  indifference,  seemed  altogether  unnatural. 
She  was  well  aware  that  both  her  language  and  her 
conduct  implied,  among  other  things,  a  backsliding 
from   the   Holy    Church,  and   she   knew   that   that 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  91 

oflfence  alone,  leaving  out  every  other  consideration, 
was  of  suflScient  magnitude  to  arouse  her  uncle's 
displeasure.  What  to  think  she  knew  not.  And  if 
her  uncle  was  acquainted  with  the  episode  between 
herself  and  Kenneth  Egerton,  his  conduct  was  yet 
more  incomprehensible.  He  had  not  hinted  at  any 
such  thing,  however,  and  the  whole  course  of  his  con- 
duct implied  to  the  contrary.  And  yet  that  he  should 
not  have  been  informed  of  the  circumstances  ap- 
peared utterly  improbable.  Thus  was  Yiola  har- 
assed with  doubts,  and  fears,  and  perplexities. 

"  You  do  not  answer  me,  my  child !"  continued 
Torillo,  after  a  few  moments  of  silence,  which  Viola 
had  spent  in  the  reflections  recorded  above,  and  her 
uncle  in  watching  her  expressive  face.  ''  Shall  we 
go  back  to  the  old  house  ?'' 

"  Yes,  uncle,"  responded  Yiola  ;  though  with  a 
reluctance  she  could  neither  account  for  nor  conceal. 
Situated  as  she  then  was,  she  felt  that  she  had  little 
choice  in  the  matter. 

*^  Then  away  at  once  and  get  ready !''  cried  Torillo, 
cheerily. 

As  soon  as  the  young  girl  was  alone  she  clasped 
her  hands  together,  and  in  the  anguish  of  her  spirit, 
cried  aloud — 

'*  0,  Kenneth,  Kenneth,  where  are  you?  Come  to 
me — come  to  me,  dear  Kenneth,  for  I  feel  that  soon 
I  shall  need  your  presence  1" 


92  Viola  Hastings;  or, 


CHAPTER   XIV. 

ON  THE  WAT. — THE  ENCOUNTER  ON  THE  ROAD. 

Shortly  after  Viola  had  quitted  the  apartment  to 
prepare  for  the  journey  home,  her  uncle  summoned 
the  aged  porteress  to  his  presence. 

"  I  shall  take  my  niece,  Viola,  home  with  me  I"  he 
said,  speaking  abruptly,  and  in  quite  a  contrast  with 
his  former  manner.  "  Should  any  one  call  here  and 
ask  to  see  her — especially  a  young  naval  officer — 
neither  tell  them  that  she  is,  or  is  not,  in  the  build- 
ing. Keep  them  in  darkness  as  to  her  whereabouts. 
I  have  reasons — all-sufficient  ones.  I  have  already 
stated  my  wishes  to  the  Abbess." 

While  Torillo  had  been  addressing  the  porteress — 
and  during  the  time  thus  occupied  he  stood  with  his 
back  toward  the  door — Viola,  with  that  noiseless 
step  acquired  in  such  institutions,  had  entered  the 
apartment.  Consequently  she  had  overheard  the 
greater  part  of  what  he  had  said  ;  and  a  wise  fore- 
thought prompted  her  to  withdraw  from  the  room 
before  her  presence  was  discovered.     This  she  sue- 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  93 

cessfuUy  accomplished,  and  when  again  outside  the 
door,  she  paused  a  few  moments  to  reflect  upon  what 
had  thus  been  revealed.  Her  uncle  had  said  enough 
to  convince  her  that  he  knew  of  her  love  ;  but  why 
he  had  refrained  from  even  referring  to  it  she  could 
not  imagine.  That  his  silence  betokened  some 
scheme,  and  boded  her  no  good,  she  was  almost  pre- 
pared to  admit.  And  the  thought  agitated  her  im- 
mensely. After  a  few  moments,  however,  she  calmed 
down  her  feelings,  and  first  making  a  noise  to  attract 
attention,  she  reentered  the  apartment. 

The  young  girl  had  now  laid  aside  the  peculiar 
dress  of  her  order,  and  donned  another  more  befit- 
ting a  Christian,  civilized  woman  ;  and  notwithstand- 
ing her  mental  anxiety,  she  presented  a  lovely  pic- 
ture. 

"  All  ready,  my  child  Y^  inquired  Torillo,  stepping 
toward  her  as  she  entered  the  room. 

''  Quite,  uncle." 

Then  taking  the  young  girFs  hand,  he  led  her  forth 
into  the  air.  In  front  of  the  Convent  a  carriage  was 
standing,  and  as  Torillo  handed  his  niece  in,  he  said, 

"  To-night,  my  child,  we  will  sleep  at  a  friend's 
house  in  Baltimore  ;  and  early  to-morrow  morning 
start  for  the  old  homestead." 

"Thank  God,  that  we  go  not  directly  home  I" 
Viola  ejaculated,  inwardly.     "I  may  yet  find  some 


94  Vtota  Hastings  ;  or^ 

means  of  communicating  with  Kenneth,  and  inform- 
ing him  of  this  change/' 

From  his  niece  Torillo  turned  to  the  driver  and 
whispered — 

"  You  know  your  directions.  Drive  fast,  and  avoid 
all  encounters  on  the  r.oad.'' 

The  next  moment  they  were  speeding  forward, 
and  in  a  little  time  the  Convent  was  left  in  the  dis- 
tance. 

As  soon  as  the  carriage  was  in  motion,  Torillo  drew 
up  the  little  windows  and  dropped  the  curtains,  thus 
preventing  those  within  from  seeing  out,  and  any 
one  passing  from  seeing  in.  There  w^as  something 
in  all  this  that  caused  Viola  to  feel  very  uneasy  ; 
but,  still,  she  was  apparently  an  indifferent  spectator. 

After  speeding  on  for  some  time,  a  single  horse- 
man, who  was  coming  from  the  direction  in  which 
they  were  going,  drew  up  across  the  road,  and  hailed 
the  driver  to  stop.  Involuntarily  the  latter  held  up 
a  little. 

"Friend,"  demanded  the  horseman,  "am  I  on  the 
right  road  to  the  Convent  of  Mt.  Carmel?" 

"  Shure,  an'  ye  are  that  same,  sur !"  responded  the 
hackman,  who  at  the  same  moment  appeared  to  be- 
think himself  of  something,  and  gathered  up  his  reins 
for  a  start. 

"  And  how  far  am  I  from  it  ?" 

"  Well,  about  five  miles,  more  or  less." 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  95 


At  the  first  sound  of  the  horseman's  voice,  Viola 
had  started,  and  alternately  flushed  and  turned  pale  ; 
but,  still,  with  admirable  presence  of  mind,  under  the 
circumstances,  had  remained  quiet.  Her  uncle's 
quick  eye,  however,  detected  her  emotion,  and  seem- 
ing to  guess  at  the  cause,  he  shouted  to  the  hack- 
man — 

''  Drive  on,  sir  !" 

Again  the  carriage  sped  on,  and  the  horseman  was 
left  standing  in  the  road.  Torillo  buried  his  face  in 
his  bosom,  and  preserved  the  most  profound  silence  ; 
and  the  young  girl  wisely  forbore  making  any  allusion 
to  the  interruption.  In  fact,  her  heart  and  mind 
were  too  full  to  speak,  for  well  she  recognized  the 
voice  of  Kenneth  Egerton,  and  guessed  his  errand  at 
the  Convent.  He  was  in  pursuit  of  herself.  And 
he  had  been  so  near  to  her,  knowing  it  rot,  and  ahe 
afraid  to  discover  her  presence. 

And  on,  and  on,  went  the  carriage. 


90  Viola  Hastings  ;  or^ 


CHAPTER   XV. 

KENNETH  AT  xMT.  CARMEL. — ANOTHER  SPY. 

A  HALF  hour,  or  thereabouts,  afterwards,  and  Ken- 
neth Egerton  was  standing  in  the  hall  of  the  Con- 
vent. His  horse  he  had  tied  to  a  tree  some  little 
distance  down  the  road.  Behind  a  small  grating  sat 
the  old  porteress. 

^'  Madam,  I  desire  to  see  Sister  Ursula  on  business 
of  importance,"  he  said,  assuming  a  confident  air,  and 
hoping  by  that  means  to  compass  his  desires. 

The  old  woman  eyed  her  interlocutor,  mumbled 
over  something  about  *'  naval  officer,"  and  then  said 
aloud  : — 

**  She  is  not  to  be  seen,  young  man,  so  you  had  bet- 
ter go  away." 

*'  Not  to  be  seen  !"  cried  out  Kenneth,  impatiently. 
"  And  why  not  ?  Is  this  a  prison  ?  What  crime  has 
she  committed  that  she  has  been  condemned  to  soli- 
tary confinement  ?" 

**  I  only  repeat  my  orders,  sir.  She  is  not  to  be 
seen.     Why,  is  not  for  me  to  say.     Perhaps  she  is 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  97 

preparing  herself  to  take  the  black  vail,"  responded 
the  old  porteress,  maliciously. 

"  If  that  be  true,"  continued  Kenneth,  Sternly, 
"  she  is  being  forced." 

"  Forced !"  ejaculated  the  old  woman,  with  a  very 
great  display  of  astonishment ; — "  we  never  force  any 
body,  young  man !" 

"  0,  no !"  responded  Kenneth,  bitterly,  and  con- 
temptuously ; — "you  never  force  any  body — you  Tiever 
do  any  thing  wrong — never  I  You  are  spotless  saints 
in  your  own  estimation,  but  something  more  human, 
and  far  less  pure,  in  the  opinion  of  every  body  else." 

"  The  Virgin  preserve  us,  young  man,  how  you  do 
talk  I"  cried  the  old  porteress,  with  every  show  of 
horror. 

"Can  I  speak  with  any  of  your  Superiors?" 
demanded  Kenneth,  angrily  and  impatiently. 

"  If  you  wish  to,  I  suppose  you  can." 

"  I  do  wish  to  !  nor  will  I  quit  this  building  until  I 
have  had  such  an  interview,"  rejoined  Kenneth, 
determinedly. 

"  I  will  inform  the  abbess,"  mumbled  the  toothless 
old  woman,  as  she  disappeared  from  her  box. 

The  few  moments  that  she  was  absent  were  occu- 
pied by  Kenneth  in  bringing  his  thoughts  into  better 
shape. 

When  the  old  porteress  reappeared  she  pointed  her 


98  Fiola  Hastings;  or, 

shrivelled  finger  to  a  side  door  opening  from  the  hall, 
and  said, — 

**  Walk  in  there,  young  man." 

Kenneth  followed  her  directions,  and  found  himself 
in  the  general  receiving  room.  By  the  time  he  had 
taken  a  slight  survey  of  the  apartment,  the  abbess — 
a  tall,  severe,  unbending  looking  woman — made  her 
appearance  behind  the  grating  which  we  have  here- 
tofore noticed. 

"  Your  business?"  she  demanded,  fixing  upon  Ken- 
neth her  piercing  gray  eyes. 

"  To  see  one  known  in  this  place  as  Sister  Ursula," 
responded  the  young  man,  as  respectfully  as  his 
swelling  heart  would  permit.  ^'  Can  I  be  allowed 
that  privilege  ?" 

"  You  cannot,  sir  P 

"  And  why  not  ?"  demanded  Kenneth,  by  an  ejBTort 
choking  down  his  anger  and  his  disappointment. 

"  Because  her  family  will  it  so  1"  responded  the 
abbess ;  the  truth,  at  that  moment,  at  least,  answering 
quite  as  well  as  a  falsehood.  "  Our  orders  were,  that 
while  she  was  here  we  should  not  admit  any  stranger 
to  her  presence." 

"  Then  she  is  here  still  I"  said  Kenneth,  quickly. 

"  I  did  not  say  so,"  rejoined  the  abbess,  with  a 
slight  sneer. 

"  Your  words  implied  as  much,  madam !" 

The  young  man  was  losing  his  patience,  fast. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  99 

"Did  they?'' 

''  Yes,  madam,  they  did  1"  shouted  Keaneth  hotly, 
all  the  pent  up  indignation  of  his  soul  bursting  wildly 
forth ; — "  and,  so  help  me  Heaven,  I  will  not  rest 
quiet  until  I  know  for  certain  where  she  is,  and  have 
an  interview  with  her.  You  may  hide  her  away  in 
the  deepest  dungeon^— guard  her  with  all  that  vigi- 
^  lance  for  which  you  have  been  famous  from  the 
darkest  period  of  the  world,  and  yet  will  I  find  a  way 
to  reach  her,  and  save  her.  Save  her,  madam,  I 
repeat !  For,  under  Heaven,  I  believe  that  there  is 
some  conspiracy  afoot  to  wrong  that  young  girl.  I 
cannot  fathom  it  yet,  but  if  there  be  ingenuity  in 
man  I  soon  will.  Nor  shall  Monk,  Priest,  nor  Abbess 
— Convent  walls,  nor  secret  dungeons,  nor  threats  of 
vengeance,  deter  me  in  the  pursuit  of  my  object. 
Unscrupulous  as  you  all  are,  base  as  you  have  ever 
been,  bigoted  and  blood-thirsty  as  all  past  time  has 
proven  you  to  be,  what,  but  falsehood,  and  wrong, 
and  blood,  could  be  expected  from  you,  ever  ?  Still  I 
bid  you  pause  ere  you  harm  this  young  girl,  or  even 
compel  her  into  a  life  at  which  her  soul  revolts. 
Protestant  America  is  not  Catholic  Europe,  nor  the 
nineteenth  century  a  day  in  which  such  deeds  may  be 
committed  with  impunity.  Look  to  it,  madam,  look 
to  it !" 

"  Peace,  idle,  vauiiting  man !"  cried  the  abbess,  her 
bosom    heaving,  and    her   eyes  flashing    lightning 


100  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

glances.  "  Profane  not  these  sacred  walls  with  your 
impious  threats !" 

"  Sacred  walls !"  responded  Kenneth,  scornfully. 
Then  changing  his  tone  to  one  of  deep  indignation, 
he  continued — "  If  from  any  one  place  more  than 
another  the  cry  of  wrong  and  violence  ascends  up  to 
high  Heaven — if  one  spot  mofe  than  another  Ir  a 
sink  of  iniquity — that  place  is  a  Convent.  And  if 
the  Great  Ruler  of  the  universe,  to  whom  all  hidden 
things  are  laid  bare,  frowns  more  darkly  upon  one 
spot  of  earth  than  another,  it  is  upon  that  spot  dese- 
crated by  a  Convent^s  walls.  0,  well  may  the  deeds 
done — the  things  said — the  thoughts  thought,  in  such 
places,  be  hidden  behind  a  vail  of  mystery  and  dark- 
ness. Were  they  God-like — w^ere  they  Chris tian-liko 
— were  they  even  honest,  they  would  be  fit  for  every 
human  eye  to  gaze  upon — for  every  living  creature 
to  know.  But,  thank  God  !  the  day  is  not  far  distant 
when  the  American  people,  at  least,  will  awake  to 
their  true  character — when  these  dens  of  cunning, 
treacherous,  conspiring  men  and  women — these  sinks 
of  vice,  and  sensuality,  and  lasciviousness,  will  be 
held  up  before  the  public  gaze  in  all  their  naked  and 
unredeeming  deformity.  Fare  you  well.  Madam 
Abbess  ;  and  lay  you  deeply  to  heart  what  I  have 
said." 

Kenneth  dashed  from  the  apartment,  and  flew  past 
the  astonished  porteress  into  the  open  air.     In  an 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  101 

instant's  time  lie  was  in  the  saddle,  and  dashing  ofif 
like  wild  on  the  road  to  Baltimore. 

As  he  rushed  from  the  apartment,  the  Abbess,  her 
bosom  surging  with  the  deepest  passion,  quitted  her 
place,  behind  the  grating,  and  passed  hastily  through 
a  door  into  an  adjoining  apartment.  At  the  same 
time  she  called  aloud,  in  the  most  intense  and  excited 
tones — 

"  Miguel  I  Miguel  I'' 

A  long-coated,  half-shaven  priest,  of  a  sinister  as- 
pect, quickly  responded  to  her  summons. 

Pointing  through  an  open  window,  she  exclaimed — 

"  Miguel,  change  your  dress  speedily — then  mount 
and  follow  that  man  who  was  just  here.  You  saw 
him  r 

"  Yes  r' 

"  He  has  taken  the  road  to  Baltimore.  Find  out 
where  he  stops,  and  then  hasten  to  Father  Antonio's. 
You  will  find  Pedro  Torillo  there.  Tell  him  a  youth, 
in  the  undress  uniform  of  the  United  States  Navy, 
has  been  here — he  will  recognize  the  person — that 
he  demanded  to  see  Sister  Ursula,  and  on  being  re» 
fused,  denounced  the  Church  and  all  her  servants  in 
the  most  violent  manner,  swearing  solemnly  that  he 
would  never  rest  a  moment  until  he  had  found  the 
Sister  for  whom  he  inquired.  Tell  him  this,  and  tell 
him,  too,  that  I  say  it  were  best  to  silence  this  med- 
dling glib-tongued  heretic.    Away  with  you,  now  1'' 


102  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

The  Abbess  spoke  with  lightning  rapidity,  and  in 
a  very  brief  time  after,  the  metamorphosed  shaveling 
was  in  the  saddle,  fairly  flying  down  the  road  which 
Kenneth  had  taken. 

Stationed  at  the  window — which  overlooked  for 
some  distance  the  road  to  the  city  of  Baltimore — she 
watched  her  messenger  until  he  was  out  of  sight. 
As  he  finally  faded  from  view,  she  muttered  bitterly, 
her  thoughts  running  on  Kenneth, — 

"  The  prating  fool !  He  may  yet  learn,  to  his  cost, 
what  it  is  to  insult  and  defy  the  servants  of  tho 
Church." 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  103 


CHAPTER    XVI. 

VIOLA  A  PRISONEIl  AT  THE  PRIESt's  HOUSE  IN  BALTIMORE. — THE  LAY 
JESUIT  AND  THE  TWO  PRIESTS  CONSPIRING  AGAINST  KENNETH. 

In  a  back  third-story  room  of  an  old-fashioned 
house,  on  one  of  the  by-streets  of  Baltimore,  still  later 
in  the  day,  was  Viola  Hastings. 

The  two  windows  of  the  room  looked  out  upon  a 
cluster  of  yards,  and  were,  of  course,  of  too  great  a 
height  from  the  ground  to  admit  of  the  young  girl 
conversing  with  any  one  beneath,  even  if  she  would 
have  been  so  imprudent  as  to  attempt  such  a  mea- 
sure. 

The  moment  she  was  alone,  Viola  sank  into  a  chair, 
and,  for  a  time,  communed  with  herself  as  her  varied 
and  conflicting  emotions  dictated. 

"  It  was  Kenneth,  I  know,"  she  murmured.  "  Brief 
as  has  been  our  acquaintance,  I  would  recognize  the 
tones  of  his  voice  among  a  thousand.  And  he  is 
searching  for  me.  Will  he  discover  my  retreat  ?  0, 
I  fear  not !     And  what  can  I  do  ?"     After  a  thought- 


104  Viola  Hastings;  or, 


ful  pause  she  continued  :  "In  my  heart  I  feel  a  pre- 
sentiment that  some  wrong  is  intended  me,  and  yet  I 
cannot  tell  what.     Why  will  not  this  cloud  lift,  and 
let  me  see  beyond  ?     Something  is  being  done — some 
mischief  is  intended  me  which  I  cannot  penetrate. 
Why  else  this  constant  watching,  and  these  secret 
movements  ?     For  some  reason  or  other,  I  begin  to 
think  I  must  have  an  enemy.     But  who  can  it  be  ? 
My  uncle  ?    I  almost  fear  so.     But  why  ?     0,  why  ? 
What  have  I  ever  done  to  make  him  my  enemy  ?'' 
After  another  thoughtful  pause  she  again  continued  : 
"  Perhaps  they  fear  that  I  will  desert  the  Church, 
and  would  prevent  it !     But  if  so,  why  take  me  back 
to  the  mansion  house  ?    Why  not  have  kept  me  at 
the   Convent  when  I  was  there  ?"     Then  again  she 
paused,  and  at  length  again  murmured,  clasping  her 
hands    tightly    together — "  0,    Kenneth,   Kenneth, 
would  you  were  here  !     No  longer  then  should  I  hesi- 
tate in  my  course.     Alone  and  unaided,  I  am  power- 
less.    That  my  every  movement  is  watched,  I  know  ; 
and  that  I  cannot  escape,  I  feel  certain.     Here,  too, 
I  am  as  badly  off  as  before,  for  they  have  placed  me 
at  the  top  of  the  house,  out  of  all  reach.     Doubtless, 
too,  the  door  is  locked.'^ 

Viola  passed  across  the  room  to  the  door,  turned 
the  knob  and  pulled — but  vainly. 

"  Even  so,''  she  murmured.     "Everywhere  I  go  I 
am  now  watched  and  guarded/' 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  105 

From  the  door  she  turned  to  the  window,  and  for 
a  few  moments  silently  looked  out  upon  the  yards. 

"  To  appeal  to  the  neighbors  would  be  dangerous/' 
she  continued  at  length  ;  "  for  I  cannot  guess  v/hich 
way  their  sympathies  tend,  and  they  may  betra}' 
instead  of  assisting  me.  To  trust  the  house  domestics 
would  also  be  a  risk  I  dare  not  run.  0,  what  shall  I 
do  ?  where  shall  I  turn  V^ 

During  the  same  time  that  these  and  other  similar 
thoughts  were  revolving  in  Viola's  mind,  her  uncle 
and  Father  Antonio  were  closeted  together.  The 
two  soon  understood  each  other  ;  for  they  were  bro- 
thers in  the  same  scheming,  mysterious  society,  and 
both  designing,  hypocritical  and  unscrupulous  men. 

To  his  companion  Torillo  gave  a  full  and  clear  ac- 
count of  his  guardianship  of  his  niece,  exposing  his 
whole  plan  and  objects  without  reservation  ;  only, 
however,  adding  a  little  more  than  was  exactly  the 
truth.  Boldly  he  declared  his  intention  of  appropri- 
ating her  whole  estate,  even  if  to  do  so  he  had  to 
deprive  her  of  life.  To  the  Society  he  expressed  his 
intention  of  giving  the  half,  keeping  the  rest  himself. 
That  was  only  a  ^  blind,'  however  ;  for,  as  we  have 
elsewhere  remarked,  these  men  ar^  as  constantly 
cheating  each  other,  as  they  are  any  one  else. 

And  all  this  his  priestly  companion  applauded  to 
the  echo. 


5* 


106  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

*'  And  now  more  than  ever  am  I  resolved/'  said 
Torillo,  in  conclusion.  ''  I  look  upon  the  apostate 
girl — for  in  her  heart  she  is  really  little  less — with 
no  more  favor  than  a  born  heretic  ;  and  it  is  always 
right,  you  know,  to  crush  the  enemies  of  the  Church. 
What  though  she  is  my  niece  ?  my  sister's  child  ? 
Shall  that  save  her  ?  is  that  any  reason  why  I  should 
let  her  wealth,  more  than  another's,  pass  into  the 
hands  of  some  accursed  heretic  ?" 

"  No  I"  rejoined  Father  Antonio,  deeply. 

What  else  he  would  have  said  is  not  certain,  for  at 
that  moment  there  was  a  knock  upon  the  door. — 
Father  Antonio  broke  oflF  abruptly,  arose,  unlocked 
the  door,  and  opened  it.  The  next  moment  the  mes- 
senger of  the  Abbess  entered  the  apartment,  his  per- 
son bearing  all  the  marks  of  hard  travel.  In  a  few, 
earnest,  but  telling  words,  he  communicated  his  mes- 
sage, winding  up  by  saying  that  the  man  he  had  fol- 
lowed and  watched,  had  stopped  at Hotel. 

"  And  is  he  here  P^  muttered  Torillo,  intensely. 
*'  He  has  recovered  quickly  ;  but  let  him  look  to 
himself." 

*'  Is  it  the  young  man  you  have  just  spoken  of?" 
queried  Father  Antonio. 

*•  The  same,  I  suppose,  was  the  response.  "  He  is 
in  full  pursuit  of  Viola  ;  but  he  must  be  stopped 
here,  right  off.     By  the  holy  cross,  but  the  Abbess 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  107 

shall  find  us  no  laggards  I     Come  hither,  close.    Let 
us  talk  upon  the  subject."    ^ 

Then  the  three  drew  up  together  into  a  knot,  and 
entered  into  a  low,  earnest  conversation. 


108  Viola  Hastings;  or, 


CHAPTER   XYII. 

THE    DECOY. — THE    ATTEMPTED   ASSASSINATION. 

The  evening  of  the  day  on  the  afternoon  of  which 
the  foregoing  incident  occurred  was  clear,  balmy  and 
starlight,  but  quite  dark.  It  was  September,  and 
never  did  the  soft  breezes  of  that  glorious  season 
waft  a  sweeter  perfume. 

Just  as  the  numerous  bells  of  the  city  were  pealing 
forth  eight  o'clock,  Kenneth  Egerton  emerged  from 
the  door  of  his  hotel.  His  manner  was  thoughtful, 
and  his  movements  undecidf^<d.  On  the  last  of  the 
flight  of  steps  he  halted,  and  turned  his  gaze  alter- 
nately up  and  down  the  busy  street.  A  moment 
after  the  young  man's  appearance,  a  woman  drew  out 
from  the  shadow  of  the  adjoining  houses,  and  ap- 
proached him.  Unconsciously  he  turned  and  looked 
at  her,  but  so  muffled  up  was  her  face  that  the  view 
was  entirely  unsatisfactory.  Still  nearer  she  drew 
to  him,  however,  until  at  length  they  touched  each 
other. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  109 

"  Are  you  looking  for  any  one,  my  good  woman?'' 
inquired  Kenneth,  at  length. 

"  Is  your  name  Egerton  ?  Lieutenant  Kenneth 
Egerton  ?"  responded  the  woman,  in  a  whisper  ; 
having  first  satisfied  herself,  by  a  lightning  glance, 
that  they  were  unobserved. 

"  It  is." 

"  Then  I  was  sent  for  you.'' 

''  By  whom  ?" 

"  Yiola,  sir.'' 

Kenneth  started  as  if  an  electric  shock  had  flashed 
through  his  whole  system.  The  woman  smiled, 
though  unseen.  She  was  sure  of  success,  and  her 
triumph  displayed  itself  in  the  curling  of  her  lips. 

"  Yiola !"  exclaimed  the  youth,  excitedly.  "  Do 
you  know  her  ?" 

"  How  else  could  I  name  her,  sir  ?" 

"  Have  you  seen  her  ?  Is  she  here  ?  Where  is 
she  now  ?"  demanded  Kenneth,  volubly. 

**  Follow  me,  and  you  shall  be  satisfied,"  responded 
the  woman,  turning  half  round,  and  moving  on  a  step 
or  two.     "  She  waits  you." 

A  moment's  pause,  during  which  Kenneth  measur- 
ed the  woman  from  head  to  foot. 

"  But  how  do  I  know  that  you  are  not  deceiving 
me  ?"  he  said,  hesitatingly.  "  What  assurance  have 
I  of  that?" 


110  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

"  Do  you  fear  ?''  responded  the  woman,  scornfully. 

"FearI" 

Kenneth  spoke  quickly  and  angrily,  and  then  was 
silent.  After  a  pause  of  a  few  moments  he  continued, 
calmly — 

"  Yes,  I  fear  somethings.  The  man  who  says  he 
fears  nothing,  is  at  heart  a  braggart  and  a  coward." 

"  But  you  have  no  cause  to  fear,"  continued  the 
woman.     "  Are  not  you  armed  ?" 

"Armed!  Yes,  with  these  weapons,  and  these 
only,"  responded  Kenneth,  stretching  forth  his  hands. 

"  AlFs  well !"  said  the  woman  to  herself. 

"  Have  you  no  token  from  her  whom  you  say  sent 
you  ?"  inquired  Kenneth,  as  anxious  to  believe  the 
woman  as  he  was  to  see  Viola,  and  yet,  very  natu- 
rally, inclined  to  be  suspicious  of  her  truth. 

"  I  have  not,"  responded  the  woman,  with  a  great 
show  of  sincerity.  "  Most  likely  Miss  Hastings  did 
not  foresee  such  a  contingency.  But,  perhaps,  I  can 
satisfy  you  in  some  other  manner." 

In  quick  tones  the  muffled  female  then  described 
the  appearance  of  Viola,  and  the  nature  of  Kenneth's 
acquaintance  with  her. 

"  I  will  trust  you,"  responded  'he  young  man,  when 
the  woman  had  finished,  misled  by  the  accuracy  of 
her  information.     "  Lead  on,  now  I" 

The  muffled  woman  instantly  started  off,  Kenneth 
following  a  few  feet  behind  her.    In  a  little  while 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith,  111 

they  emerged  from  the  more  populous  part  of  the 
city  into  the  suburbs.  The  light,  and  bustle,  and 
noise  were  soon  left  behind,  and  silence  and  darkness 
reigned  around.  Kenneth  began  again  to  have 
doubts  ;  and  while  he  was  debating  in  his  mind  the 
propriety  of  the  step  he  had  taken,  the  woman  came 
to  a  halt  and  awaited  his  approach. 

"  The  road  is  getting  very  lonely,  sir,''  she  said,  as 
Kenneth  came  up  with  her  ;  "  and  I  will  walk  by 
your  side,  now,  if  you  have  no  objection.'^ 

"  None  at  all,"  rejoined  Kenneth.  "  But  whither 
are  you  leading  me  ?  Viola  cannot,  surely,  be  in  this 
part  of  the  city." 

"  She  is  staying  at  a  little  country  seat,  just  beyond 
the  limits,  sir,"  responded  the  woman.  "  We  shall 
soon  be  there,  now." 

After  walking  on  a  little  further,  they  passed  two 
muffled  men,  who  were  standing  in  the  shadow  of  an 
old  deserted  tenement.  In  that  locality  everything 
was  as  quiet,  and  as  dark  as  the  grave,  and  the  houses 
were  old,  decayed,  and  ricketty.  Kenneth  now 
recalled  to  mind  the  circumstance— a  somewhat  sin- 
gular one,  too — of  the  woman  having  inquired  whether 
or  not  he  was  armed ;  and  for  the  first  time  he 
regretted  that  ho  had  not  taken  such  a  precaution. 

They  had  gone  on  but  a  few  steps  only,  after  see- 
ing the  two  men,  when  his  conductor  suddenly  turned 
her  head  round  and  glanced  back.     The  two  men  had 


112  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

now  emerged  from  the  alley,  and  were  silently  follow 
ing  them.  Kenneth  had  observed  the  woman's  quick 
backward  glance,  and  now  thoroughly  suspicious,  he 
demanded — 

*'  Why  do  you  look  back,  madam  ?" 

"  To  see  if — alVs  iveU  P^  responded  the  woman, 
uttering  the  three  first  words  in  a  whisper,  and  the 
two  last  sufficiently  loud  to  be  heard  by  the  men  in 
the  rear,  or  any  one  else  within  an  equal  distance. 

"  By  Heaven,  but  I  believe  that  was  a  signal  I" 
cried  Kenneth,  laying  his  hand  quickly  upon  the 
woman's  shoulder. 

The  words  had  barely  passed  his  lips  when  his 
guide,  who  was  of  good  size,  and  as  events  proved  of 
considerable  strength — cast  her  arms  around  his 
body,  and  uttered  a  scream  of  terror.  Then  followed 
the  cry  of, 

"  Save  me  !  save  me !  He  will  kill  me  !  he  will  kill 
me!" 

Kenneth  was  astounded,  and  vainly  struggled  to 
free  himself  from  the  woman's  strong  grasp.  At  the 
same  moment,  and  before  the  echo  of  her  words  had 
died  away,  the  two  men  behind  dashed  forward. 

"Betrayed!  betrayed!"  muttered  Kenneth,  still 
struggling  in  the  advantageous  grasp  of  the  woman. 

"  0,  save  me !  save  me !  save  me !"  repeated  the 
woman,  as  the  two  men  approached  the  spot. 


The  Attempted  Assassination. 


Page    112 


The  Triumph  of  Love   md  Faith.  113 

"  We'll  do  that  quickly,  madam  P  rejoined  one  of 
the  men.     "  Upon  him,  partner,  upon  him  !'' 

"  Cowards  !  cowards  1"  cried  Kenneth,  passionately, 
still  struggling  to  free  himself  from  the  woman, 
whose  weight  clogged  all  his  movements. 

As  he  uttered  the  words  the  men  seized  him  by  the 
throat ;  while,  with  their  disengaged  hands  they 
drew  their  weapons  from  among  the  folds  of  their 
clothing.  Kenneth  could  not  but  comprehend  their 
murderous  intentions,  and  attempted  to  cry  aloud  for 
help,  but  before  a  sound  issued  from  his  lips  their 
arms  were  drawn  back  and  had  again  descended  with 
deadly  velocity.  At  the  moment  the  blows  were 
given  the  woman  let  go  her  hold. 

"  Away  r'  cried  one  of  the  assassins  ;  and  she  drew 
her  hood  closer  down  over  her  face,  and  fled  in  the 
direction  she  had  brought  Kenneth. 

At  the  same  moment  Kenneth  fell  heavily  to  the 
ground,  muttering  as  he  sank  down, — 

"  Murdered  I  murdered  I" 

"  His  race  is  run,"  whispered  one  of  the  men,  stoop- 
ing down  and  peering  into  'he  young  man's  face. 

''  Accursed  heretic,'^  responded  the  other,  spurning 
the  body  with  his  foot,  "  let  him  rot !  He  will  not 
again  trouble  Viola,  rail  at  the  Church,  or  cross  my 
plans.  My  blow  never  yet  failed  me,  Miguel,  and  I 
don't  think  it  has  done  so  now." 

"Besides,  there  is  my  knife  buried  at  least  six 


114  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

inches  in  his  body,"  rejoined  Miguel,  pointing  to 
Kenneth^s  prostrate  form. 

While  Miguel  had  been  speaking,  Torillo — for  it 
was  he — had  stooped  down  over  Kenneth,  and  was 
gazing  in  his  face. 

"  His  face  is  ghastly,  his  skin  clammy,  his  breath- 
ing almost  imperceptible,"  murmured  the  assassin. 
"  We  did  not  bungle,  Miguel.  Curse  him  I"  he  contin- 
ued, slapping  the  cold  white  cheek  of  the  youth, 
and  at  the  same  moment  rising  to  his  feet.  Then 
gazing  around,  he  again  went  on, — "  But  come,  Mi- 
guel, we  must  away.  Here  come  people  who  have 
been  aroused  by  the  fracas,  and  we  must  not  be 
seen." 

The  two  men  then  dashed  down  a  narrow,  dark 
cross-street,  and  in  a  moment  were  out  of  sight. 

At  a  later  hour  in  the  evening,  Pedro  Torillo, 
Father  Antonio,  and  Miguel,  the  messenger  of  the 
Abbess  of  the  Convent  of  Mt.  Carmel,  were  closeted 
together. 

They  were  again  talking  earnestly. 

"  You  did  the  work,  certain  P^  said  Father  Antonio, 
appealing  to  the  other  two. 

Torillo  and  Miguel  nodded  affirmatively. 

"  So  perish  every  such  meddler !"  he  continued, 
sternly. 

"  They  should,  could  I  have  my  way  with  them  I" 
rejoined  Torillo,  savagely. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  115 

"The  enemies  of  the  Holy  Church  deserve  no 
mercy !''  chimed  in  Miguel. 

"  Our  brother,  here,"  continued  Torillo,  pointing 
to  Miguel,  and  addressing  Father  Antonio — "will 
have  good  news  to  carry  our  worthy  Abbess." 

"  Aye,  that  he  will  I"  responded  Father  Antonio. 

"  She  will  be  glad  to  know  that  the  foul-mouthed 
heretic  has  been  made  to  answer  for  his  words — 
words  that  were  alike  an  outrage  upon  the  Church, 
and  an  insult  to  herself!"  responded  Miguel,  confi- 
dently ;  as  if  his  bosom  were  the  repository  of  all 
the  woman^s  thoughts.  And  for  what  we  know,  such 
was  the  case. 

"  And  now  to  bed  1"  said  Father  Antonio,  at  length. 
"  You  must  be  weary." 

With  that,  these  three  faithful  servants  of  the 
Holy  Church  separated. 


116  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 


CHAPTER    XVIII. 

viola's    letter. — THE     STRANGE     CARRIER. 

At  an  early  hour  the  following  morning,  M4guel 
quitted  the  house  on  his  way  back  to  the  Convent. 

About  the  same  time,  Viola,  who  had  slept  but 
little  during  the  night,  took  a  seat  at  one  of  the  win- 
dows of  her  room,  first  raising  the  sash  up  to  admit 
the  fresh,  invigorating  air.  She  was  very  pale  ;  and 
her  countenance  was  stamped  with  the  traces  of  deep 
anxiety.  The  soft  breeze  of  the  morning  played 
about  her  feverish  brow,  but  seemed  to  afford  her 
no  relief.  How  true  it  is  that  for  a  mind  diseased 
there  is  only  one  remedy !  and  in  Viola^s  case  that 
medicine  was  beyond  her  reach.  In  her  hand  she 
held  a  letter,  upon  the  superscription  of  which  she 
was  intently  gazing. 

"  To  Lieut.  Kenneth  Egerton,  Baltimore,"  she 
read.  Then  after  a  pause  she  continued, — "  It  is 
written,  but  how  shall  I  convey  it  to  him  ?  I  dare 
not  trust  any  of  these  around  me,  and  if  it  were 


The  Triumph  of  Loi^  and  Faith.  117 

otherwise,  I  know  not  where  Kenneth  is.  He  may 
not  even  be  in  the  city,  for  all  that  I  really  know." 

At  that  moment  the  door  of  the  room  was  quietly 
opened,  and  the  very  woman  who  had  the  evening 
previous  enticed  Kenneth  Egerton  to  follow  her, 
entered  the  apartment.  In  her  hand  she  carried  a 
tray  of  edibles. 

With  a  quick  motion  Yiola  concealed  the  letter. 

*^  Your  breakfast,  miss,"  said  the  woman,  pleas- 
antly. 

"  Thank  you,"  responded  Viola  coldly.  "  Set  it 
down." 

The  woman  complied,  and  Viola  then  inquired — 

*'  But  why  am  I  not  permitted  to  show  myself  at 
the  table  ?" 

"  I  guess  for  no  particular  reason,"  responded  the 
woman,  with  every  show  of  the  most  thorough  inno- 
cence. "  I  heard  your  uncle  say  that  probably  you 
would  be  tired,  and  maybe  like  to  breakfast  in  your 
own  I'oom,  and  so  I  brought  it  to  you.  He  bid  me, 
when  I  came  away,  tell  you,  that  he  would  soon  be 
ready  to  start." 

"  I  shall  be  prepared,"  rejoined  Viola.  Then  after 
a  slight  pause  ehe  asked — "  Why  was  my  door  locked 
on  the  outside  last  night?  Perhaps  you  can  tell  me 
that  I"  and  the  young  girl  fixed  her  eyes  on  the  im- 
mobile countenance  of  the  artful  woman. 

**  Indeed,  I  cannot  say.  Miss,"  replied  the  woman, 


118  Viola  Hastings;  or, 


very  innocently.  *^  It  is  strange  that  it  should  be 
locked.  Are  you  quite  sure  that  it  was  ?  You  know 
doors  stick  sometimes." 

"  I  am  quite  sure  that  it  was,  for  I  tried  it  well.^' 

**  A  fortunate  precaution,  then,"  said  the  woman, 
to  herself.  "  The  bird  would  probably  have  flown 
had  its  cage  been  open."  Then  addressing  Viola, 
she  said, — 

"  It  is  very  singular,  Miss  ;  but  probably  it  was 
done  through  mistake.  I  will  make  inquiry  of  the 
domestics." 

"  A  falsehood  I"  exclaimed  Viola,  mentally.  "  It 
was  done  to  prevent  me  from  escaping,  or  communi- 
cating with  any  one  outside."  Then  addressing  the 
woman,  she  inquired, — 

^*  Madam,  may  I  ask  what  position  you  hold  in  this 
household  ?" 

**  Certainly,  Miss,"  rejoined  the  woman,  as  pleas- 
antly as  before,  though,  for  a  moment,  a  dark,  bitter 
look  rested  upon  her  brow.  "  I  am  housekeeper. 
Anything  further,  Miss  ?" 

"  That  is  all." 

The  housekeeper  then  quitted  the  room,  and  as 
she  disappeared  through  the  door,  Viola  murmured, 
pityingly,— 

"  Poor,  degraded  creature  I" 

For  awhile  after  this,  Viola  sat  buried  in  deep 
thought.    Suddenly  ^he  raised  her  face  from  her 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith,  119 

hands,  and  the  light  of  a  new  idea  flitted  visibly 
across  her  features. 

"  If  I  could  but  get  the  letter  to  the  post-office," 
she  murmured,  "  then,  indeed,  might  it  reach  his 
hands.  But  how,  how  am  I  to  accomplish  that  ?  Is 
there  no  way  open  for  me  ?    None  !" 

Again  she  buried  her  face  in  her  hands,  and  racked 
her  brain  with  the  useless  endeavor  to  discover  some 
plan  of  communicating  with  her  lover.  While  thus^ 
absorbed,  a  beautiful  white  pigeon  alighted  upon  the 
sill  of  the  open  window.  Its  cooing  aroused  her. 
Lifting  her  head,  she  fixed  her  eyes  upon  it,  with 
painful  anxiety.  In  that  moment  some  inward  moni- 
tor suggested  to  her  that  the  bird  might  be  useful  to 
her  plan.  She  had  heard  of  such  things  before. 
While  these  thoughts  were  passing  through  her  mind 
the  bird  flew  into  the  room.  Viola  quickly  lowered 
the  window,  and  having  made  a  prisoner  of  the  little 
creature,  paused  a  moment  to  collect  her  thoughts. 

"  It  is  my  only  chance,'^  she  murmured,  at  length. 
"  The  moment  for  our  departure  is  near  at  hand,  and 
I  cannot  leave  the  city  without  making  some  attempt 
to  let  Kenneth  know  of  my  whereabouts.  Unless  I 
do,  he  will  doubtless  think  me  still  at  the  Convent ; 
and  while  he  is  watching  for  me  here.  Heaven  only 
knows  what  fate  may  overtake  me  ;  for  now,  if  never 
before,  I  mistrust  my  uncle,  and  all.  If  I  tie  this  let- 
ter around  the  bird's  neck,  and  then  set  it  free,  there 


120  nda  IIo.?ti:igs  ;  or, 

is  every  chance  of  its  alighting  in  some  place  where 
it  will  soon  attract  attention.  That  the  letter  will  then, 
by  some  means  or  other,  reach  Kenneth,  I  can  only 
hope.  Situated  as  I  am,  it  is  the  best  and  only  thing 
I  can  do." 

After  some  little  difficulty,  Tiola  succeeded  in 
catching  the  bird,  and  having  securely  fastened  the 
letter  around  its  neck  by  a  ribbon,  which  she  took 
from  her  person,  she  turned  to  the  window.  The 
sound  of  light  footsteps  upon  the  stairs  set  her  heart 
palpitating",  and  accelerated  her  movements.  Rais- 
ing the  window  quickly,  but  noiselessly,  she  held  the 
bird  out  in  the  air. 

"  Heaven  speed  you  safely,  sweet  bird  !"  she  mur- 
mured, opening  her  hands  and  setting  it  free. 

While  yet  watching  the  flight  of  her  dumb  messen- 
ger, the  door  of  the  apartment  opened,  and  the  house- 
keeper entered  the  room.  Casting  a  quick  glance 
around,  she  inquired, — 

'•  What  noise  was  that  I  heard,  Miss  ?" 

"  I  raised  the  sash  a  moment  since,"  rejoined 
Yiola.  "Probably  it  was  that.  But  why  do  you 
ask  ?  Would  a  little  noise  in  my  room  be  out  of 
the  way  ?'' 

*'  0,  no,  Miss,*'  responded  the  housekeeper,  again 
assuming  a  pleasant  tone  and  easy  manner.  "  I  only 
asked  out  of  curiosity.    Woman's  inquisitiveness.  you 


The  Tnumjjh  of  Love  mid  Faith,  121 


know,  is  proverbial.  But  I  came  up  to  tell  you  that 
your  uncle  was  ready  to  start.     He  awaits  you." 

''  Lead  the  way,"  replied  Yiola.  "  I  am  all  ready. 
I  need  but  little  preparation." 

The  woman  instantly  turned  upon  her  heel  and 
quitted  the  apartment,  simply  saying,  ^'  This  way  ;" 
and  Viola  followed  on  immediately  behind  her. 

Torillo  received  his  niece  kindly^ — asked  after  her 
health — inquired  how  she  had  spent  the  night,  and 
spoke  joyously  of  the  prospect  of  sodn  being  home. 
And  rather  Antonio  shook  her  by  the  hand,  and 
bestowed  upon  her  his  parting  benediction.  To  all, 
Viola  answered  briefly,  for  she  more  than  doubted 
their  sincerity. 

A  few  hours  later  they  landed  in  Philadelphia. 

Before  pursuing  the  thread  of  our  story  we  will 
briefly  state  how  Viola  had  been  enabled  to  indite 
the  letter  which  we  have  seen  her  dispatch  in  such 
a  singular  manner  ;  otherwise  it  may  seem  somew^hat 
strange.  Unprepared  for  the  reception  of  a  prisoner 
— for  such,  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  the  young  girl 
was — Father  Antonio  had  forgotten,  or  overlooked, 
some  apparently  unimportant  objects  ;  through  which 
omission  Viola  had  successfully  accomplished  her 
purpose.  It  w^as,  of  course,  Torillo^s  policy  to  keep 
every  description  of  waiting  materials  cut  of  her 
reach,  for  fear  that  she  might  use  them  to  his  disad- 


122  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 

vantage  ;  and  the  first  question  he  asked  Father 
Antonio,  after  Viola  had  been  conducted  to  her  room, 
was  to  that  effect.  The  old  priest  assured  him  that 
there  was  nothing  of  the  description  in  her  apartment, 
and  he  was  really — or,  otherwise,  he  surely  would 
not  have  said  so — under  that  impression.  But 
woman^s  wit,  generally,  is  keen  enough  at  all  times  ; 
and  circumstances  of  love  or  danger  invariably 
sharpen  it.  Though  young  in^^ears,  and  inexperi- 
enced in  the  ways  of  the  world,  Viola,  as  will  be  seen, 
was  up  to  the  standard  of  her  sex. 

Quite  naturally,  Viola's  paramount  desire  was  to 
communicate  with  her  lover.  To  do  that  she  must 
have  writing  materials,  and  to  obtain  them  in  the 
Convent  was  out  of  the  question.  The  first  chance, 
therefore,  that  she  had  had,  was  on  her  arrival  at 
Father  Antonio's  house,  and  that  seemed  a  very  slim 
one.  But  "  where  there's  a  will  there's  a  way  ;"  and 
as  soon  as  she  discovered  that  she  was  locked  in  her 
apartment,  she  set  to  work  to  rummaging  the  room 
and  the  closets,  of  which  latter  there  were  two  in  the 
apartment.  After  much  searching,  she  discovered  a 
package  of  old  letters,  and  a  stump  of  a  pen  ;  but  no 
where  could  she  find  anything  in  the  shape  of  writing 
fluid.  This  was  unfortunate,  but  she  finally  mastered 
the  difficulty  by  pricking  one  of  her  fingers,  and  let- 
ting the  blood  drop  in  her  pen  ;  and  on  one  of  the 
old  letters  she  had  found  blank  paper  enough  to 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  123 

answer  her  purpose  ;  and  from  the  budget  she  had 
collected  suflScient  wax  to  secure  her  OAvn  precious 
epistle. 

Who  will  say  that  the  persevering  girl  did  not 
merit  success  ? 


124  Viola  Hastings;  OTy 


CHAPTER   XIX. 

Kenneth's  escape. 

Whilst  Viola  is  on  the  road  to  Philadelphia,  we 
will  go  back  to  the  night  previous,  and  retrace  our 
steps  to  the  scene  of  the  assassination. 

Kenneth,  it  will  be  remembered,  sank  to  the 
ground,  murmuring,  ''  murdered !  murdered !"  and 
the  two  assassins  fled  at  the  approach  of  several  per- 
sons, whose  appearance,  the  murderers  themselves 
were  the  first  to  descry. 

The  youth  had  fallen  in  such  a  position  that  he 
could  plainly  see  the  retreating  men,  though  their 
forms  were  so  disguised  as  to  render  the  chance  of 
recognizing  them  next  to  impossible.  As  soon  as  tho 
outlines  of  their  persons  had  began  to  grow  indistinct 
— and  that  was  almost  in  a  moment — he  raised  him- 
self— though  evidently  with  some  labor — into  a 
crouching  posture,  and  gazed  around. 

"  The  rascals  think  they  have  finished  me  !''  he 
murmured.  "  But,  unless  my  feelings  deceive  me, 
they  are  greatly  mistaken.     Wounded  I  may  be — 


Tlie  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  125 

faint  and  half  sick  I  certainly  am — but  not  to  the 
death.  This  now  is  the  work  of  the  Holy  Church  ; 
and  these  men,  and  that  woman,  were  its  agents.  I 
have  already  rendered  myself  obnoxious,  and  am  a 
marked  man.  Well,  well,  we  shall  see.  One  thing 
is  certain,  however,  I  am  not  beaten  yet,  though  they, 
apparently,  think  so.  'Twas  a  fortunate  thought  in 
me  shamming  dead.  Had  I  not  dropped  as  I  did  they 
might  have  struck  me  again,  and  more  fatally.  As  it 
is,  I  deceived  them  nicely.  As  the  poet  says,  ^  where 
the  lion's  skin  falls  short  we  must  eke  it  out  with  the 
fox's.''' 

While  these  thoughts  were  flitting  through  Ken- 
neth's mind  he  had  arisen  to  his  feet,  and  by  the 
time  he  had  finished  thinking  them,  he  was  some  dis- 
tance from  the  spot  where  he  had  fallen. 

All  this  had  transpired  in  a  few  moments'  time,  and 
before  the  persons  approaching  the  scene  of  the 
fracas  had  reached  the  spot.  In  that  vicinity  the 
cry  of  murder  was  not  an  unusual  one,  and  at  no 
time  attracted  particular  attention,  much  less  any 
sympathy.  The  few  individuals  who  had  been 
tempted  out  of  the  surrounding  buildings  by  the 
woman's  scream,  approached  the  spot  quite  leisurely. 
They  could  see  nothing,  however,  but  Kenneth,  in 
the  distance,  and  he  had  now  reached  a  point  to 
which  the  ajarm  had  not  extended. 

"  I  say,  look-a-'ere,  you'ser !"  shouted  one  of  the 


126  Viola  Hastings  ;  or. 


denizens  after  Kenneth,  and  the  words  were  barely 
audible  to  the  ears  of  the  latter  ; — ''  Vere  ar'  ye  go- 
in'  ?  an'  vot  ave  ye  dun  vith  that  voman  vot  scream- 
ed so  orfully  ?    Did  ye  cut  her  vizzen,  ole  feller  ?'' 

Kenneth  hastened  his  steps,  murmuring  as  he  did 
so — 

"  1  Avas  blind  or  I  woul3  have  seen  where  I  was 
going.  One  of  the  worst  localities  in  the  city.  But 
I  believed  the  woman,  so  did  the  magic  name  of  Viola 
delude  me.  Thank  God  that  I  have  not  fallen  a  vic- 
tim to  my  own  credulity  I  It  is  lucky  for  me,  how- 
ever, that  I  was  not  able  to  cry  out  for  help,  as  I  was 
first  impelled  to,  for  all  the  help  that  I  would  have 
got  here,  would  have  been  most  likely  on  the  other 
side.'' 

In  a  few  minutes  Kenneth  emerged  into  a  better 
part  of  the  city,  and  after  a  little  while  longer  he 
reached  his  hotel.  Shunning  observation  as  much  as 
possible,  he  hastened  to  his  room,  there  to  examine 
the  condition  of  his  wounds. 

"  Not  serious,  thank  an  All-merciful  Providence  !" 
he  murmured  ;  having  divested  himself  of  his  upper 
garments,  and  carefully  examined  the  only  wound 
upon  his  body,  which  was  under  his  left  arm. 

The  reason  why  he  had  thus  escaped  was  obvious. 
The  blade  of  Miguel's  knife — the  messenger  had  been 
on  the  right  of  Kenneth  at  the  time  of  the  attack — had 
struck  up6n  the  thick  back  of  a  heavy  hunting  watch . 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  127 

which  the  youth  carried  in  his  breast  pocket,  and 
glancing  off  had  passed  through  his  clothes — thus 
deceiving  the  wretch  into  the  belief  that  his  knife 
had  penetrated  the  young  man's  body,  while  in  reality 
it  did  not  even  mar  the  skin.  Torillo's  knife — Viola's 
uncle  stood  at  the  young  man's  left  hand — had  passed 
straight  through  his  vest  and  shirts,  inflicting  a  wound, 
though  by  no  means  a  serious  one. 

Having  satisfied  himself  of  the  extent  of  his  inju- 
ries, and  dressed  his  wound  to  the  best  of  his  ability, 
he  retired  to  rest,  and  finally  fell  asleep  thinking  of 
Viola,  and  wondering  when  he  should  again  see  her. 


128  Viola  Hastings  ;  or^ 


CHAPTER   XX 


KENNEXn'S   SPECULATIONS. 


The  following  morning  Kenneth  was  early  astir, 
and  the  only  inconvenience  he  experienced  from  the 
rencounter  of  the  night  previous,  was  a  little  stiffness 
and  soreness  in  his  left  side  and  arm. 

"  What  a  strange  dream !''  he  murmured,  as  he 
turned  out  of  bed.  And  then  for  a  few  moments  he 
remained  quite  absorbed,  as  if  recalling  the  vision  of 
his  sleep.  At  length  he  raised  his  face  from  the 
floor,  upon  which  his  eyes  had  been  fixed,  and  began 
to  speak,  as  if  addressing  some  one. 

"  I  thought  that  all  above,  beneath,  around  me,'^  he 
murmured,  "was  a  thick,  impenetrable  cloud.  My 
brain  seemed  bewildered,  and  a  feeling  of  wildness 
swelled  my  heart.  I  turned  my  gaze  every  way,  but 
there  seemed  no  method  of  escape.  While  yet  my 
straining  eyes  were  fixed  upon  tha  walls  of  my 
strange  prison-house,  the  clouds  began  to  lift,  and 
beyond  I  saw  Viola,  radiant  and  beautiful  as  the 
angel  that  she  is.     With  her  mild,  soft   eyes,  she 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith,  129 

gazed  upon  me,  earnestly,  and  pleadingly.  I  bound- 
ed forward,  but  ere  I  had  reached  her,  the  form  of  a 
huge  serpent  started  up  in  my  path,  and  a  voice  of 
terror  hissed  in  my  ear — '  beware  !  beware  !'  Min- 
gling with  the  warning  arose  a  piercing  scream  from 
the  lips  of  Viola.  An  indescribable  confusion  fol- 
lowed, in  the  midst  of  which  I  awoke,  glad  to  find 
that  the  horrid  fantasy  was  nothing  but  a  dream." 

Still  busy  thinking  of  his  vision,  Kenneth  com- 
menced the  duties  of  the  toilette.  After  dressing 
himself  with  all  his  clothing,  except  his  coat  and 
vest,  he  paused  in  reflection. 

"  Under  the  circumstances,^^  he  said,  mentally,  ^^  it 
would,  probably,  be  better  for  me,  at  least  for  the 
present,  to  appear  in  a  plain  suit.  This  uniform  may 
be  a  distinguishing  mark — by  it  I  may  be  known  ; 
and  from  recent  indications  it  behooves  me  to  exer- 
cise every  caution.  Some  of  these  Jesuitical  Roman- 
ists, at  least,  have  no  conscience  when  dealing  with 
the  heretics  ;  and  my  connection  with  Yiola,  toge- 
ther with  the  freedom  of  my  expressions,  have,  doubt- 
less, made  me  hated  by  a  portion  of  them." 

The  youth  had  already  commenced  changing  his 

clothes  ;  and  in  a  few  moments  he  was  habited  in  a 

suit  of  plain  black,  which  fitted  admirably  to  his 

finely  proportioned  person.     Apparently   satisfied 

with  the  change,  he  flung  himself  into  an  arm  chair, 

and  again  was  buried  in  thought.     Starting  up  sud- 
6* 


130  Viola  Hastings;  or^ 

denly,  after  the  lapse  of  a  few  moments,  he  began  to 
pace  the  room  backwards  and  forwards,  muttering  at 
the  same  time, — 

"  There  can  be  no  mistake  about  it.  The  whole 
thing  is  too  plain  to  be  doubted.  Her  uncle,  who  I 
judge  to  be  a  hypocritical  villain,  is  at  the  bottom 
of  it  all.  The  sneaking  Sisters  discovered  our  attach- 
ment at  Norfolk — else  why  was  Viola  so  suddenly 
removed  from  the  city  ? — and  put  her  uncle  and  his 
satellites  upon  my  trail.  Her  uncle,  probably,  fears 
that  I  will  marry  Yiola,  and  release  her  and  her  for- 
tune from  his  grasp  ;  and  makes  her  apostacy — which 
the  innocent  creature  has  not  art  enough  to  conceal 
' — ^his  excuse  for  whatever  course  he  pursues  ;  if,  in- 
deed, which  I  very  much  doubt,  any  excuse  be  need- 
ed. That  his  object  is  her  estate  seems  evident  to 
my  mind,  from  his  anxiety  to  induce  her  to  take  the 
black  vail  ;  and  a  weak-minded  mother's  ignorance 
and  bigotry  was  the  hobby  upon  which  he  hoped  to 
ride  to  success.  And  it  was  nearly  successful,  too. 
But  for  my  interference — and  there,  doubtless,  is  the 
grudge — Viola  would  have  eventually  yielded  to  a  mis- 
taken sense  of  filial  duty.  Unquestionably  my  condflct 
has  been  well  canvassed — hence  is  my  life  assailed. 
But  to  a  Power  mightier  than  man,  or  the  Holy  Church 
either,  I  entrust  myself.  That  my  enemies  are  close 
upon  my  track,  however,  is  plain  enough  from  the 
attempt  that  was  made  last  night.    And  that  those 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  131 

who  waylaid  me  were  familiar  with  both  Viola  and 
myself,  and  with  all  the  circumstances  of  our  posi- 
tion, is  apparent  from  their  language  and  conduct. 
The  woman  knew  me,  and  Viola,  too — her  w^ords  and 
manner  prove  that.  And  one  of  the  men,  after  I  had 
fallen,  mentioned  the  name  of  the  young  girl,  and 
spoke  of  the  Holy  Church  ;  w^hich  should  be  enough 
to  convince  any  reasonable  man  of  their  knowledge 
and  authority.  Who  either  of  the  three  were,  how- 
ever, I  could  not  say.  I  never  saw  the  woman  before, 
that  I  know  of,  and  she  was  so  completely  muffled  up 
that  I  hardly  think  I  could  recognize  her  again. 
Neither  do  I  think  I  would  know  the  men — except  I 
might  recognize  them  by  their  voices,  which  I  think 
barely  possible.  Now  this  would  be  enough  to  deter 
some  men — but  it  only  makes  me  more  resolute. 
Every  hour  but  increases  my  love  for  Viola — and, 
thank  God !  I  can  lay  my  hand  on  my  heart  and  say, 
it  is  not  her  fortune  that  I  covet — and  no  human 
power,  if  she  continues  willing,  shall  prevent  me  from 
possessing  her." 

Kenneth's  meditations  were  here  interrupted  by 
the  ringing  of  the  breakfast  bell.  The  youth  de- 
scended to  the  dining  room,  and  ate  heartily ,  for, 
reader,  he  was  a  substantial  man,  and  one  who  put 
great  faith  in  the  power  of  bone  and  sinew. 


132  Viola  Eastings  ;  or, 


CHAPTER   XXI. 

DELIVERY  OF  VIOLa's  LETTER  BY  THE  STRANGE  CARRIER. 

We  will  now  pass  over  the  following  forty-eight 
hours,  during  which  time  nothing  of  any  moment 
occurred  in  this  vicinity.  Kenneth  wandered  about 
the  city  watching  everything,  and  everybody,  but 
irresolute  as  to  his  next  step.  Sometimes  he  felt  in- 
clined to  pay  another  visit  to  Mt.  Carmel  ;  and  then 
his  better  judgment  suggested  the  impolicy  of  such 
a  course  just  then.  A  hundred  plans  to  discover  the 
retreat  of  Yiola  flitted  through  his  mind,  and  as 
quickly  as  they  came  were  discarded  as  impracti- 
cable. And  above  all  loomed  the  agonizing  thought 
that  Viola  might  be  in  danger  ;  or,  at  least,  might 
be  compelled  into  some  course  which  would  blast  all 
her  future  life,  and  crush  all  his  dearest  hopes.  That 
these  thoughts  kept  Kenneth  on  the  rack,  is  unques- 
tionable. 

After  breakfast  on  the  second  morning  following 
his  rencounter  in  the  suburbs,  the  young  man  saun- 
tered into  the  reading-room  of  the  hotel.     On  his 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith,  133 


entrance,  a  gentleman,  who  was  seated  at  one  of  the 
tables  perusing  a  paper,  lifted  his  eyes,  and  nodding, 
passed  the  compliments  of  the  morning.  Kenneth 
returned  the  salutation,  and  then  seated  himself  at 
another  table,  apart  from  the  company  ;  and  in  a  few 
moments  was  lost  in  thought. 

'^  Why,  that's  singular !"  suddenly  exclaimed  the 
gentleman  who  had  addressed  Kenneth  on  his 
entrance,  and  evidently  at  something  which  he  saw 
in  the  paper.  Then  turning  his  eyes  from  the  paper 
to  Kenneth,  he  continued — ''  Here's  something  that 
interests  you,  Lieut.  Egerton.  And  a  very  strange 
thing  I  must  say !''  Kenneth  looked  up  inquiringly. 
"  Faith,  Lieutenant,"  continued  the  gentleman,  "  your 
correspondents  will  have  to  be  looked  after,  if  this  is 
the  manner  in  which  they  defraud  Uncle  Sam." 

"  I  cannot  comprehend  you,  sir,"  replied  Kenneth, 
at  the  same  time  moving  towards  the  gentleman  who 
had  addressed  him.  "  You  spoke  of  something  that 
interested  me.     Will  you  be  good  enough  to  explain  ?" 

**TAa^,  will  explain  itself  1"  responded  the  gentle- 
man, pointing  to  a  paragraph  in  the  paper. 

Kenneth  followed  the  direction  of  the  speaker's 
finger,  and  with  the  greatest  astonishment  read  the 
following  "  Notice — " 

"  A  pigeon  belonging  to  one  of  our  subscribers,  was 
found  in  its  box  yesterday,  having  a  letter  directed 


134  Viola  Hastings;  or^ 


to  '  Lieut.  Kenneth  Egerton/  tied  securely  around  its 
neck.  We  must  say  there  is  something  of  an  air  of 
mystery  about  the  finding  of  this  letter,  which  invests 
it,  in  our  mind,  with  considerable  interest.  The 
whole  affair,  however,  may  be  nothing  more  than  a 
piece  of  sport.  As- it  now  stands,  it  defies  all  specu- 
lation. If,  however,  there  is  such  a  person  as  Lieut. 
Kenneth  Egerton,  and  he  is  in  this  city,  he  can  have 
the  letter  by  inquiring  at  our  ofl&ce." 

Kenneth  looked  completely  bewildered. 

When  the  gentleman  seemed  satisfied  that  our  hero 
had  finished  reading  the  notice,  he  said, 

"  Well,  what  do  you  think  of  that.  Lieutenant  ?" 

**It  is  most  singular,"  responded  Kenneth.  "I 
cannot  imagine  the  meaning  of  it.  I  will  call  at  the 
office,  however,  and  if  this  paragraph  be  other  than 
a  hoax,  obtain  the  letter.     Good-day,  sir." 

A  half  hour  after,  and  Kenneth  returned  to  his 
room  with  the  letter  in  his  possession.  Without 
removing  his  hat  he  threw  himself  into  a  chair,  and 
tore  open  the  document.  Running  his  glance  down 
the  paper  his  eye  rested  on  the  signature,  and  he 
jumped  from  the  chair,  exclaiming — "  Viola !" 

"From  Viola!"  he  continued.  ''  Can  it  be?  Let 
me  see  !  What  does  it  say  ?  A  moment  w^ill  end  all 
my  suspense."  Then  swallowing  down  his  agitation, 
he  read  Viola's  letter,  w^hich  ran  thus  : — 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  135 

"  Dear  Kenneth — for  by  that  title  my  heart  tells 
me  that  I  must  forever,  henceforward,  call  you — I 
have  been  in  this  city  some  hours,  though  by  the 
time  you  get  this — if  you  ever  do — I  shall,  probably, 
be  at  my  uncle's  estate  on  the  banks  of  the  Schuylkill. 
I  am  watched,  and  guarded,  as  if  I  were  a  prisoner 
guilty  of  some  capital  offence.  I  can  now  see  it 
plainly,  and  I  am  sure  some  wrong  is  intended  me. 
An  unaccountable  feeling  of  dread  has  taken  posses- 
sion of  my  heart,  and  I  should  be  thankful  for  an 
opportunity  to  escape  my  uncle's  surveillance.  On 
you,  Kenneth,  I  rely  ;  but  for  my  sake  be  very  cau- 
tious, and  run  no  needless  risk.  This  is  the  first 
opportunity  I  have  had  of  writing,  and  you  may  judge 
from  the  appearance  of  the  epistle  that  I  have  had 
little  choice  of  materials.  Ink  I  could  not  find,  and 
the  only  alternative  that  was  presented  me,  was  to 
draw  a  little  blood  from  one  of  my  fingers.  How  I 
shall  get  this  letter  to  you  I  know  not.  I  dare  not 
trust  those  around  me,  and  I  am  at  my  wit's  end. 
Perhaps  some  way  may  yet  turn  up.  I  know  that 
you  are  in  this  vicinity,  because  this  morning  we 
passed  you  on  the  road  between  here  and  Mt.  Carmel. 
I  recognized  your  voice  instantly.  You  inquired  of 
the  driver  the  distance  to  the  Convent.  Keep  me  in 
your  memory,  dear  Kenneth.     And  now  farewell. 

Viola. 

Midnight,  Sept.  20th,  18—." 


136  Viola  Hastincjs  ;  or, 

^'  So,  ho,  the  mystery  begins  to  unravel — the  clouds 
begin  to  dissipate  !"  murmured  Kenneth,  after  he  had 
twice  read  the  letter  through,  and  indulged  in  a  few 
lover-like  rhapsodies,  *^  Now  do  I  know  that  there  is 
some  plot  afoot,  in  the  success  of  which  I  am  inter- 
fering. And  these  godly  priests,  and  sanctimonious 
Abbesses,  are  helping  it  along.''  Then  fixing  his 
eyes  upon  the  paper  which  he  held  in  his  hand,  he 
said — "  The  dear  girl  declares  that  she  trusts  in  me  ; 
and  I  will  endeavor  that  she  shall  not  be  disappointed 
in  her  confidence.  If  mortal  man  can  rescue  her,  I 
will  do  so.'' 

Here  Kenneth  again  re-read  the  letter. 

"  Under  what  difiiculties  must  the  poor  girl  have 
labored,"  he  continued  ;  "  and  how  anxious  she  must 
have  been  to  communicate  with  me,  when  she  could 
resort  to  such  extreme  measures  to  accomplish  her 
purpose.  Her  blood !"  and  Kenneth  pressed  the 
soiled  sheet  to  his  trembling  lips  ;  "  0,  woman,  who 
can  fathom  the  deeps  of  thy  great  heart !"  After 
another  thoughtful  pause,  the  young  man  resumed, 
his  reflections  taking  a  difi*erent  direction — "  It  was 
surely  some  good  angel  prompted  the  dear  girl  to 
entrust  her  letter  to  such  a  singular  postman.  It 
was  a  bright  idea,  and  has  proven  eminently  success- 
ful. Never  bird  carried  a  more  precious  document 
than  this  ;  and  though  the  poor  dumb  creature  had 


Tlie  Triumph  of  Love  and  .Faith.  137 

no  direct  agency  in  its  safe  delivery,  I  will  have  it  if 
money  will  purchase  it." 

Again  he  perused  Yiola's  suggestive  billet,  and 
again  his  thoughts  rambled  off  in  another  direction. 

*^  So,  Viola  was  not  at  the  Convent  when  I  called 
there,"  he  continued,  "  though  they  led  me  to  think 
she  was.  Judging  from  that,  they  fancied  I  would 
pay  them  a  visit,  and  concerted  a^plan  to  mislead  me. 
But  they  have  failed,  thanks  to  this  ;"  and  Kenneth 
shook  the  letter  triumphantly.  "  And  to  think  that 
Viola  has  been  in  this  city — so  near  me — and  I  not 
know  it.  Doubtless,  too,  her  uncle  was  with  her  ; 
and,  most  likely,  it  was  he  who  instigated  the  attempt 
upon  my  life — even  if  he  himself  was  not  personally 
engaged  in  it.  Well,  thank  God  !  there,  too,  they 
signally  failed.  And  now,  let  me  consider  what  is 
best  to  be  done.  In  the  first  place,  then,  I  must  de- 
part forthwith  to  Philadelphia  ;  and  as  I  shall  proba- 
bly have  sharp  work  there,  I  think  I  had  better  pro- 
vide myself  with  a  body  servant  before  I  start.  But 
where  shall  I  get  a  trusty  one  ?  Scipio  would  be  the 
very  person  ;  and  if  I  thought  I  could  obtain  him,  I 
should  almost  be  tempted  to  delay  my  departure  a 
little  to  do  so.  I  must  have  one  upon  whom  I  can 
rely  ;  and  where  can  I  find  another  of  whose  faith- 
fulness, honesty,  and  sagacity,  I  may  be  so  sure  as  I 
may  of  his?  It  is  a  strong  temptation.  Delays  are 
dangerous,  I  know  ;  and  Viola  may  require  imme- 


138  Viola  Hastings;  or^ 

.  diate  assistance  ;  but  still  I  feel  that  I  had  better 
have  another  with  me  ;  and  who  so  likely,  or  ready, 
to  help  me,  as  Scipio  ?  Yes,  Til  wait  and  w^ite  to 
Robson  about  him.'' 

In  a  twinkling,  so  to  speak,  Kenneth  was  scribbling 
away  in  a  regular  locomotive  manner.  A  letter  was 
soon  written  and  directed  to  Mr.  Geo.  Robson,  who 
owned  the  negro  Scipio,  in  which  Kenneth  stated  his 
urgent  wish  for  a  faithful  body  servant,  and  offered 
to  purchase  the  man  named  at  any  reasonable  price. 

On  the  way  to  the  post  office  to  deposit  his  letter, 
he  stopped  at  the  newspaper  office,  and  obtained  the 
address  of  the  owner  of  the  pigeon  ;  and  on  his  re- 
turn he  called  upon  the  man,  and  made  an  arrange- 
ment with  him  by  which  the  bird  was  to  be  kept 
until  he  demanded  it. 

These  things  settled,  he  returned  to  the  hotel,  and 
shut  himself  up  in  his  own  room,  there  to  await,  in 
the  best  way  he  coul  1,  a  reply  from  Scipio's  master. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  139 


CHAPTER   XXII 

KENNETH   PURCHASES   THE   NEGRO   £t!IPIO   TO  AID   HIM    IN    HIS 
ENTERPRISE. 

At  a  pretty  early  hour  on  the  following  morning — 
the  third  day  after  the  departure  of  Viola  from  the 
city — Kenneth^s  attention  was  attracted  by  a  low 
knocking  at  his  room  door. 

"  Who's  there  T  he  demanded. 

"  Only  me,  Marster  Egaton,"  responded  a  familiar 
voice.     "  I'se  cum.     Dat's  so  !'' 

"Ah,  ha,  Scipio,  is  that  you?  Come  in  I^^  said 
Kenneth,  opening  the  door,  and  admitting  the  smiling 
and  scraping  negro. 

"  Ah,  Marster  Egaton,  Fse  glad  to  see  you,  I  is," 
said  Scipio.  "  Dar's  a  'pistle,  Marster  Robson  told 
me  to  fotch  you," 

Kenneth  opened  the  letter  and  read  as  follows  : — 

"  Lieut.  Kenneth  Egerton — 

Dear  Sir :  The  nigger's  yours  ;  and  I  am 
glad  I  can  serve  you  in  so  trifling  a  matter.     His 


140  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

points  you  know  as  well  as  I  do.  About  the  terms 
we  shan't  quarrel  ;  but  as  youVe  in  such  a  devil  of  a 
hurry,  w^e'U  leave  the  settlement  until  some  other 
time.  Here's  to  your  health,  boy ;  and  when  you 
stand  in  need  of  a  friend  come  to  me*  We're  all  well 
here— white  folks  and  niggers — old  folks  and  babbies. 
WeVe  been  away,  you  know  ;  but  Yellow  Jack  be- 
haves so  gentlemanly,  we  thought  w^e'd  venture 
back  again.     No  more.  Yours,  etc., 

Geo.  Robson." 

"  Characteristic  I"  murmured  Kenneth,  with  a  smile. 
Then  turning  to  the  negro,  he  inquired  of  him — ''  Do 
you  know  why  you  have  been  sent  here,  Scipio  ?" 

"  Not  'xactly,  Marster  Egaton.  Marster  Kobson 
tole  me  to  fotch  dat  'pistle  to  you,  an'  to  hurry  up 
my  cakes  or  I'd  git  Jessy.     Dat's  all !" 

"  Well,  Scipio,  how  would  you  like  to  take  me  for 
a  master  ?" 

"  De  high  golly,  Marster  Egaton,  I  should  like  him 
great !"  rejoined  the  negro,  his  huge,  expressive  eyes 
sparkling  with  pleasure. 

"  Well,  then,  Scipio,  henceforth  you  are  my  pro- 
perty.    Your  late  master  has  sold  you  to  me." 

"  Am  dat  a  fac',  Marster  Egaton  ?"  cried  the  negro, 
ready  to  dance  with  joy  ;  not  that  his  previous  mas- 
ter was  an  unusually  cruel  man,  but  that  he  felt 
deeply  attached  to  Kenneth,  for  the  kindly  manner  in 


The  Tr'umph  of  Love  and  Faith.  141 

which  he  had  always  treated  him,  when  chance  had 
thrown  them  together. 

"  It  is  just  as  I  tell  you,  Scipio.  And  now,  I  want 
you  to  be  good,  and  faithful  to  me,  and  we  shall  never 
part  until  death  separates  us." 

"  Dat  I  will,  Marster  Egaton,  dat  I  will !"  respond- 
ed the  negro,  earnestly.  "  Only  jest  you  try  dis 
niggar.  Golly,  Til  do  anyting  at  all  for  you.  Dat's 
sor 

"  I  believe  you,  Scipio.'' 

*^  Tank  you,  Marster  Egaton." 

"  Now  I  want  you  to  listen  to  me  attentively.  I 
am  at  present  engaged  in  an  enterprise  which  de- 
mands both  caution  and  secrecy  ;  therefore,  if  you 
are  asked  any  questions  concerning  me — even  should 
it  only  be  as  to  my  whereabouts — you  must  know 
nothing.     Do  you  comprehend  me,  Scipio  ?" 

"  I'm  dar,  Marster  !"  l-esponded  the  negro,  pursing 
up  his  mouth,  and  laying  the  forefinger  of  his  left 
hand  against  the  side  of  his  nose.  "  My  ig'nance 
shall  be  'stonishin'." 

"  The  enterprise  that  I  speak  of,  Scipio,  is  this," 
continued  Kenneth.  "  But,  first,  you  remember  Sis- 
ter Ursula,  I  suppose  ?" 

"  Does'nt  I,  Marster  Egaton  T  ejaculated  the  negro 
enthusiastically.  "  She  were  a  bressed  angel,  dat 
Sister  Usuler.'' 

"  Well,  then.  Sister  Ursula  is  very  rich,  and  her 


142  Viola  Hastings;  or 


parents  being  dead,  she  is  in  the  charge  of  an  uncle 
of  hers,  who,  I  take  it,  is  a  very  bad  man  ;  and  who 
has  been  endeavoring  to  induce  her  to  take  the  black 
vail  ;  so  that  he,  as  I  think,  might  rob  her  of  her 
fortune." 

"  De  funnel  willin  !"  cried  Scipio,  energetically. 

The  negro  had  also  taken  a  great  liking  to  Viola, 
little  as  he  had  seen  of  her,  and  was  no  more  likely 
to  show  her  enemies  any  mercy  than  was  Kenneth. 

"  Failing  in  that,''  continued  Kenneth,  "  he  has  now 
conveyed  her  to  his  family  mansion  near  Philadelphia. 
I  have  received  a  letter  from  the  young  lady — how  1 
it  matters  not — stating  whither  she  was  being  taken — 
the  personal  fear  in  which  she  stood — and  calling  upon 
me  to  help  her,  if  possible.  It  is  to  liberate  her  that 
I  am  now  pledged.  And  in  this  business  I  thought 
that  I  should  probably  need  a  willing  and  faithful 
attendant  ;  therefore  I  wrote  your  master  that  I 
should  like  to  buy  you,  and  he  has  consented,  as  I 
have  said,  to  part  with  you.'' 

"  Well,  Marster  Egaton,  jest  you  tole  me  what  for 
to  do,  dat's  all.  I'll  do  any  ting  at  tall  to  help  you  an' 
Sister  Usuler.     Dat's  so  !" 

"  In  an  hour  or  two  we  shall  start  to  Philadelphia," 
continued  Kenneth,  "  and  as  soon  as  we  reach  there, 
I  shall  legally  free  you." 

"  Fee  me,  Marster  Egaton  I"  cried  the  negro,  per- 
fectly amazed.     "  What  fo'  ?" 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  143 

"  Why,  shouldn't  you  like  to  be  a  free  man  T^  de- 
manded Kenneth. 

"  Yes,  I'd  like  well  enuff  to  be  fee,  Marster  Egaton, 
but  I  dun  want  to  leab  you,  no  how  !'' 

"  Well,  it  don't  follow,  because  I  free  you,  that  you 
must  leave  me,  Scipio." 

"  Am  dat  so  ?"  inquired  the  negro,  brightening  up. 

"  Just  as  I  tell  you,"  replied  Kenneth.  "  I  neither 
expect,  nor  do  I  wish,  you  to  leave  me.  I  want  your 
services  ;  but  whatever  you  do  for  me,  must  be  done 
voluntarily — not  by  compulsion.  I  exact  nothing. 
I  have  bought  you,  it  is  true  ;  but  only  with  the  de- 
sign of  at  once  giving  you  your  liberty.  No  human 
being  shall  be  a  slave  of  mine,  no  matter  how  great  a 
need  I  may  have  of  their  services.  If  then,  you 
choose  to  leave  me,  nothing  can,  and  I  would  not, 
prevent  you  from  doing  so." 

"  If  I  ebber  do  leab  you,  Marster  Egaton,  may  I 
be " 

But  Kenneth  interrupted  the  negro's  earnest  ex* 
pression  of  feeling,  by  saying — 

"  Well,  never  mind,  Scipio,  I'll  trust  you.  But  now 
we  must  think  of  something  else.  You  must  also 
remember  that  Sister  Ursula's  enemies  have  likewise 
become  mine  !" 

"  I  'stands  it,  Marster  Egaton,  I  'stands  it,"  rejoined 
the  negro,  with  a  knowing  look.  *'  Dun  you  fear 
'bout  me  'memb'ring  it!" 


144  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

"I  don't  fear,  Scipio.  And  now  but  follow  my 
directions,  and  you  will  not  go  astray.  We  are 
matched  against  powerful,  cunning  men,  and  it  will 
require  unusual  care  and  circumspection  upon  our 
part.  One  hasty,  ill-advised  step,  may  precipitate 
all — ruin  our  prospects,  and  endanger  our  lives. 
Besides,  we  must  think  of  Sister  Ursula,  and  be  three- 
fold cautious.'' 

"  Dat  we  will,  Marster  Egaton  !" 

"  That  you  may  fully  understand  my  position, 
Scipio,  let  me  tell  you  that  only  a  few  nights  ago  I 
was  enticed  into  the  suburbs  of  this  city,  where  an 
attempt  v>^as  made  to  assassinate  me.  In  fact  the  vil- 
lains left  with  the  impression  that  they  had  taken 
my  life.  This  shows  that  they  are  not  to  be  trifled 
with." 

"  'Tempted  to  'sassinate  you,  Marster  Egaton  !" 
cried  the  negro,  as  if  the  thought  were  too  monstrous 
for  belief.  "  De  vagabones  !  I  wish  I  had  been 
dar !" 

"  If  you  had  have  been  there,  Scipio,  it  is  most 
likely  they  would  not  have  undertaken  it.  But,  now, 
prepare  for  our  journey.  Pack  up  my  trunks  as  fast 
as  you  can.  I  am  going  out  for  a  few  moments.  As 
soon  as  I  return  we  shall  take  our  departure." 

"  Yes,  Marster  Egaton,  I'll  do  jest  what  you  tole 
me." 

The  next  moment  the  negro  was  buried  deep  in  a 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  145 

wardrobe.    As  Kenneth  disappeared  from  the  room, 
he  thrust  out  his  great  woolly  head,  and  grinning  all 
over  his  face,  he  exclaimed — 
"  De  high  golly,  I'se  a  lucky  chile,  I  is  I'' 


146  Viola  Hastings;  or, 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

VIOLA   AT   THE    OLD    MANSION    HOUSE. 

VlOLA^s  first  night  at  the  old  mansion  house  was 
an  eventful  one. 

Upon  her  arrival,  which — in  consequence  of  a 
detention  on  the  way — was  late  in  the  afternoon  of 
the  next  day,  she  was  conducted  to  the  same  apart- 
ment which  she  had  occupied  three  years  previously, 
and  of  which  she  still  retained  a  very  vivid  recollec- 
tion. But  her  feelings  on  returning  to  it  were  far 
different  from  what  they  were  when  she  left  it ;  and 
to  the  young  girl  the  contrast  was  exceedingly 
painful. 

We  shall  not  attempt  to  portray  the  various  emo- 
tions, which,  minute  by  minute,  agitated  the  bosom 
of  our  heroine.  The  circumstances  of  her  situation 
will  suggest  them  to  the  mind  of  the  reader.  That 
she  dwelt  long  and  lingeringly  on  the  thought  of 
Kenneth — that  she  wondered  where  he  was,  and 
whether  he  would  ever  receive  her  letter — and  again, 
whether  their  two  destinies  would  every  become  one 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith,  147 

and  inseparable,  was  but  natural.  And  that  from  these 
topics  her  mind  reverted  to  her  own  situation — so 
evidently  a  prisoner — so  certainly  a  victim  to  some 
hidden  plot  which  she  could  but  feel  and  not  fathom 
— is  not  to  be  wondered  at. 

Her  apartment  was  in  the  third  story  of  the  old 
mansion,  and  the  window  overlooked  the  Schuylkill. 
There  she  seated  herself — as  she  had  done  a  thousand 
times  before,  though  with  different  feelings — and 
gAzed  down  upon  the  still,  silver  looking  waters  of 
the  Schuylkill.  Night  drew  on — her  tea  and  toast 
were  brought  to  her  room — and  still  she  sat  there 
gazing  out  upon  the  quiet  waters  of  the  river,  and 
thinking. 

The  view  all  around  was  picturesque  and  beautiful ; 
but  she  saw  it  not — heeded  it  not ;  and  to  our  mind 
it  would  have  been  a  greater  wonder  if  she  had.  All 
about  the  old  house  was  the  dense  forest  of  luxuriant 
trees,  the  thick  foliage  forming  an  impenetrable 
breastwork.  In  the  clearing  between  the  house  and 
the  forest  were  graveled  walks,  and  grassy  plots,  and 
shrubs,  and  plants,  and  flowers. 
"  From  the  side  of  the  house  upon  which  the  window 
of  Viola's  apartment  looked,  as  we  have  previously 
stated,  the  descent  to  the  river's  brink — after  a  few 
yards  of  level  ground — was  by  a  steep  hill.  From 
the  elevation  of  Viola's  window,  the  young  girl  could 
only  see  the  river  over  the  tops  of  the  trees,  the 


148  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

highest  of  which  were,  of  course,  at  the  summit  of 
the  hill  on  the  edge  of  the  level  ground.  'The  space 
underneath  the  foliage  of  the  trees,  her  gaze  could 
only  penetrate  for  a  few  feet,  the  descent  of  the  hill 
bringing  the  trees  lower  and  lower,  thus  forming  an 
impenetrable  barrier.  A  person  standing  on  the 
edge  of  the  level  ground  at  the  top  of  the  hill,  could 
not  see  directly  from  them,  but  by  looking  down  they 
would  get  a  tolerable  view  of  the  river  flowing  at  the 
bottom  ;  though,  even  then,  the  trunks  of  the  trees 
somewhat  obscured  the  prospect. 

Looking  out  upon  this  scene,  though  seeing  little 
of  it,  we  will  leave  Viola  for  the  present. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  149 


^    CHAPTER  XXIV. 

RUPTURE   BETWEEN   VIOLA   AND    HER   UNCLE* — THE   JESUIT 

ANNOUNCES   TO   HIS   NIECE   THE    DEATH    OF   KENNETH. 

— THE   YOUNG    GIRL's   GRIEF. 

In  the  library,  which,  it  will  be  borne  in  mind,  was 
in  the  west  wing  of  the  building,  looking  inland,  was 
Viola's  uncle,  his  mind  busy  with  regrets  for  the 
unsuccessful  past,  and  new  schemes  for  the  future. 
At  tinies  he  would  walk  the  floor  impatiently,  mutter- 
ing to  himself,  and  striking  his  hard  wrinkled  hands 
together  ;  and  then  again  he  would  cast  himself  upon 
a  lounge,  and  burying  his  hard  face  in  his  palms, 
for  a  long  time  remain  absorbed.  His  mind  was  vio- 
lently and  deeply  exercised.  At  length  he  talked 
aloud,  and  as  his4:houghts  assumed  a  shape,  his  heavy 
eye-brows  lowered  darkly  and  terribly.  The  demon 
of  bad  thoughts  was  busy  in  his  heart. 

"  It  shall  be  done !"  he  muttered,  at  length,  with 
savage  determination.  "Her  heretic  lover  is  now 
out  of  the  way,  and  she  is  safe  here.  And  unless  I 
want  more  champions  to  rise  up  I  will  profit  by  the 


150  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 


occasion.  By  the  Virgin  Mother,  I  will  dally  no 
longer.  She  shall  die !  To  let  her  live  with  the 
chance  of  escape  is  to  hold  myself  in  constant  dread, 
or  to  be  necessitated  to  flee  the  country.  She  shall 
die  !  Her  apostacy  to  the  Church — and  I  can  easily 
make  clear  the  charge — will  satisfy  all  inquiry  in  that 
quarter,  if  any  is  needed  ;  and  for  the  rest  I  must  run 
the  risk ;  which,  however,  I  don't  think  very  great. 
Yes,  she  shall  die  I  Fool  that  I  was  not  to  have 
taken  this  step  in  the  first  place — then  had  I  saved 
myself  much  trouble,  loss  of  time  and  anxiety.  But 
she  is  my  sister's  child,  and  hitherto  that  thought  has 
somewhat  restrained  me.  But  even  that  is  over  now, 
and  I  could  TciU  her  without  a  single  regret.  Self- 
interest  outweighs  all  other  considerations.^' 

Seizing  a  small  bell,  that  was  on  a  table  near  by, 
he  rang  violently. 

The  summons  was  answered  by  a  dark,  hard-fea- 
tured man,  well  advanced  in  years.  This  was  To- 
rino's confidential  secretary,  valet,  etc.  He  was  an 
outlawed  Frenchman,  and  he  went  by  the  name  of 
Marco,  and  no  other. 

"  Where  is  my  son  ?"  demanded  Torillo,  savagely. 

"  Gone  to  the  city,"  responded  Marco.  Brevity 
was  his  peculiar  characteristic,  and  among  the  first 
of  his  recommendations. 

"  How  long  has  he  been  gone  ?" 

"  Since  early  this  morning." 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  151 

"  Drinking  and  gambling,  as  usual,  I  suppose," 
muttered  Torillo.     Then  to  Marco  he  continued, — 

"  Did  he  say  when  he  should  return  ?'• 

''  No  !" 

"  When  he  comes  back  see  that  he  is  sent  to  this 
room." 

"  Yes." 

"  Now  summon  all  the  household  here  immediately. 
I  have  something  to  communicate." 

Marco  cast  one  quick  glance  at  his  master's  face, 
and  then  wheeling  round,  quitted  the  apartment.  In 
a  few  moments  he  returned,  followed  by  the  rest  of 
the  domestics,  of  which  there  were,  besides  himself, 
two  other  men,  and  two  women,  all,  as  if  especially 
selected  for  some  purpose,  of  an  unprepossessing  and 
disagreeable  appearance. 

For  a  moment  Torillo  flashed  a  dark,  searching 
glance  around  upon  his  assembled  household  ;  and 
then,  in  low,  deep,  stern  tones,  he  addressed  them, — 

"  You  have  been  with  me,  all  of  you,  many  years, 
and  I  have  always  found  you  faithful  to  my  interests. 
My  will  you  have  ever  been  satisfied  to  execute 
without  prying  into  my  secrets.  That  has  been,  and 
is,  all  I  ask.  Let  your  conduct  in  the  future  be  of  a 
similar  character.  I  have  that  to  do  which  concerns 
not  any  of  you,  further  than  to  execute  my  orders. 
Disobey  me,  or  meddle  in  my  concerns,  and  you 
were  better  never  to  have  seen  me.     As  an  a^^ent  of 


152  Viola  Hastinjs  ;  or^ 

the  Holy  Church — of  which  you  are  all  of  you,  I 
hope  and  believe,  faithful  servants — I  have  that  to 
do  which  demands  secrecy.  A  heretic  has  crossed 
my  path,  and  seduced  from  her  duty  one  reared  in 
the  bosom  of  the  Church.  He  has  suffered  ;  but  she 
has  yet  her  crime  to  expiate.  Further  than  that  it 
is  not  necessary  to  inform  you.  You  may  have  your 
thoughts,  but  beware  how  you  let  them  leak  out — 
beware  how  even  the  face  betrays  the  workings  of 
the  mind.  And  next  to  secrecy  is  obedience — both 
cardinal  virtues.  And  now,  let  my  niece^s  return 
home  be  a  strict  secret  confined  to  this  house.  See, 
too,  that  she  does  not  leave  the  house  or  communicate 
with  any  one  outside.  And  while  you  are  watchful 
outside,  whatever  you  hear  or  see  within  doors  t^ke 
no  note  of.  Now  go !  Elise  !''  he  continued,  address- 
ing one  of  the  women,  "  summon  my  niece  to  this 
apartment. '^ 

With  a  wave  of  the  hand  Torillo  then  cleared  the 
apartment. 

"  Caution  1  caution  I  caution  V^  he  muttered,  imme- 
diately he  was  alone.  ''  Tis  the  palladium  of  a  man's 
safety — the  key  of  success.  Caution,  I  say  again  ; 
for  though  Viola's  heretic  lover  is  dead,  she  may 
have  communicated,  for  what  I  know,  with  others 
equally  dangerous  ;  or  may  yet — though  I  hardly 
think  it  possible — find  a  way  to  do  so.  Women, 
how^ever,  are  artful  and  ingenious/' 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faiih.  153 

There  was  a  preparatory  knock,  and  then  the  door 
of  the  apartment  swung  open,  and  with  a  reluctant 
step  Viola  entered  the  room,  the  woman  Elise  closing 
the  door,  and  remaining  outside. 

For  a  moment  the  two  regarded  each  other  ;  and 
then  Torillo  addressed  his  niece  in  tones  which  he 
vainly  endeavored  to  modify. 

"  Viola,"  he  said,  "  it  is  useless  to  conceal  from  you 
the  fact  that  I  am  in  possession  of  all  your  secrets." 

The  young  girl  made  no  answer,  but  stood  gazing 
fixedly  at  her  uncle — not  with  a  bold  assurance,  but 
with  a  desperate  resolution. 

"  In  compliance  with  your  dead  mother's  last  wish," 
he  continued,  "  I  confided  you  to  the  care  of  those 
who  were  instructed  to  prepare  your  mind  for  that 
life  which  it  was  her  desire  that  you  should  lead. 
From  the  very  first  you  were  rebellious  and  obstinate. 
Unfortunately  you  were  permitted  to  leave  the  Con- 
vent. While  away  you  made  the  acquaintance  of  a 
heretic  I"  and  Torillo  was  fast  working  himself  into  a 
passion — "who  was  not  slow  in  winning  your  too 
vnlUng  mind  from  every  sense  of  duty.  In  that  hour 
you  would  have  deserted  friends,  relatives,  and  re- 
ligion. But  eyes  were  on  you  of  which  you  dreamed 
not.  What  followed  you  know,  fir  you  are  not  a 
fool." 

"  Uncle  1"  cried  Viola  with  passionate  earnestness 

1* 


154  Viola  Hastings;  or 

— '*  why  persecute  me  so  ?  why  seek  to  compel  me 
into  a  course  at  which  all  my  soul  revolts  ?" 

"  Because  it  is  my  duty,  girl !"  responded  her  uncle, 
striking  his  hands  together  to  give  his  words  greater 
force.  "  Because  I  owe  it  to  your  mother ! — because 
I  owe  it  to  the  Church  ! — ^because " 

I  want  you  out  of  the  way,  he  was  going  to  add  ; 
but  thinking  better  of  the  words  he  finished  the  sen- 
tence by  saying — 

"  Because  it  is  for  the  best." 

"  Your  duty,  uncle,  is  to  consider  my  happiness  ; 
and  the  Church  has  no  right  to  interfere  in  my  choice 
of  a  life,"  rejoined  Viola,  giving  way  to  her  excited 
feelings,  and  rising  superior  to  her  usual  timidity. 
"  And  for  the  fulfillment,  or  non-fulfillment  of  my 
mother's  wish,  I  alone  am  answerable." 

"  True,  girl,  true  !"  hissed  Torillo.  "  By  the  mass, 
there's  no  one  wishes  to  relieve  you  of  the  weight  of 
your  responsibility." 

"  I  will  bear  it  all,  uncle,"  cried  Viola,  excitedly  ; 
*^  only  give  me  liberty ! — set  me  free  !" 

"  Free  I  What  for  ?"  shouted  her  uncle,  passion- 
ately. "  That  you  might  marry  the  accursed  here- 
tic?" 

"  And  if  I  love  him,  uncle,  why  not  ?"  demanded 
Viola,  courageously.  "  Is  he  any  the  less  a  man  be- 
cause his  religion  differs  from  your's  ?     Or  am  7  a 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  155 

slave  that  all  my  thoughts,  feelings,  and  affections, 
must  be  derived  from  others  ?" 

"Aye,  my  slave,  apostate  girl!"  yelled  Torillo, 
madly ;  in  his  passion  thro\\ing  off  all  disguise. 
"  My  slave  !  to  do  as  /  will,  let  that  be  what  it  may. 
And  for  your  heretic  lover,  unless  the  grave  can  give 
back  its  dead,  his  wife  you  can  never  be !" 

''  Dead !  Kenneth  dead  !"  cried  Viola,  in  agonizing 
tones.     "  0,  can  this  be  ?" 

*•  Aye,  dead,  girl,  dead  !'^  and  Torillo  was  now 
white  with  passion.  "  By  this  hand  he  fell !  The 
poor  fool,  when  he  thought  to  meet  you^  met  only 
death  !     Did  you  think  to  play  with  me  V^ 

Viola  heard  no  more.  Speak  again  she  could  not. 
Pressing  her  hands  upon  her  heart,  she  gasped 
hysterically,  and  sank,  a  dead  weight,  to  the  floor. 

"  Let  her  die  !"  hissed  Torillo,  between  his  set 
teeth.     "  It  will  save  me  the  trouble  of  killing  her." 

After  several  times  striding  up  and  down  the 
apartment,  he  again  seized  the  bell,  and  rang  it 
violently.  In  an  instant  Marco  appeared  in  the 
doorway,  and  Torillo  pointing  to  his  niece,  said — 

"  Carry  her  to  hei  room,  and  leave  her  there." 

Again  was  Viola's  uncle  alone  ;  and  in  darkness 
too,  for  night  had  now  settled  upon  the  earth.     And  • 
still  he  strode  up  and  down  the  apartment,  muttering 
his   thoughts  in    unintelligible   tones.      Finally,  he 


156  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

paused,  and  again  rang  the  bell.  Marco  appeared  at 
the  door. 

"  Lights  I"  he  uttered. 

Marco  disappeared  quickly,  and  in  a  few  moments 
returned  with  lamps. 

*'  Has  my  soon  returned  yet  T^  demanded  Torillo. 

"  No  !'' 

At  that  moment  the  door-bell  rang  violently. 

"  That  must  be  he,"  said  Marco,  while  yet  the  bell 
was  ringing.  "A  stranger  could  not  approach  so 
near  the  house,  especially  after  dark." 

"  See  !"  muttered  Torillo,  beginning  again  to  track 
up  and  down  the  room. 


The  2'riumph  of  Love  and  Faii.i.  157 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

THE  JESUIT  AND  HIS  .50N. — THE   CONSULTATION. — THE  PLOT  TO   GET 

RID  OF  VIOLA  AN  D  SECURE  HER  FORTUNE, — FATHEF   AND  SON 

SECRETLY  AERATED  AGAINST  EACH  OTHER. — VIOLA  STILL 

TO  BE  THE  SUFFERER  WHICH  EVER  TRIUMPH  i, 

Marco  glided  from  the  apartment,  aid  a  few 
moments  later  the  door  was  reopened,  and  ''Ferdinand 
Torillo  sauntered  into  the  presence  of  his  :  ather. 

"Marco  has  told  me  that  you  wished  1o  see  me 
immediately;  and,  though  I  am  completely  fagged 
out,  like  a  dutiful  child,  I  obey  your  bidding*  at  once," 
he  said,  in  a  carel  ess,  ojff-hand  manner.  "  N  )W,  speak, 
father  ;  is  it  any  thing  urgent  ?" 

"I  think  so,"iejoined  Torillo  crisply.  -But  you 
shall  judge  for  yc)Urself.    Listen !" 

"Proceed,  father,"  responded  Ferdinaac,  stretch- 
ing his  limbs,  and  yawning  deeply. 

Torillo  then  seated  himself  in  the  opposi  te  corner 
of  the  lounge  up  m  which  his  son  was  recliaing,  and 
without  further  preface  entered  into  a  ful .  descrip- 
tion of  every  event  that  had  any  connec  ion   Arith 


158  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 

Viola  or  the  designs  which  he  had  upon  her  person 
or  her  property.  With  a  portion  of  this,  however, 
Ferdinand  was  perfectly  familiar.  He  knew  that  his 
father  had  spent  large  sums  of  money  belonging  to 
his  cousin — for  he  had  assisted  him  in  doing  so — and 
he  knew,  too,  that  the  old  man  had  designs  upon  the 
whole  of  it.  And  equally  familiar  w^as  he  with  the 
attempt  that  had  been  made  to  induce  Viola  to  take 
the  vail.  Further  than  that,  however,  he  knew  but 
little,  until  his  father  enlightened  him  on  this  occa- 
sion. And  while  he  had  been  listening,  he  too  had 
been  scheming.     His  plot  wdll  soon  appear. 

"  In  this  case,  father,  your  success  is  not  much  of 
a  compliment  to  your  skill,"  he  remarked,  when  his 
father's  manner  indicated  that  he  had  finished.  Then, 
seeing  that  his  words  were  distasteful  to  his  parent, 
and,  thinking  it  politic  to  remove,  just  then,  any  bad 
impression — otherwise  he  would  have  defied  his 
father — he  continued, — "  But,  doubtless,  you  did  all 
that  man  could  do.'' 

"  Aye,  that  did  I !  But  there  were  events  over 
which  I  had  no  control,"  rejoined  Torillo,  bitterly. 

*'  Just  so,"  responded  Ferdinand,  with  a  very  duti- 
ful intonation.  ^'But  you  put  the  heretic  lover 
beyond  the  power  of  ever  troubling  you  again !" 

"  That  I  did  !"  cried  Torillo,  exultingly.  "  'Twas  a 
quick  blow  but  a  sure  one  I" 

"  He  was  dangerous  to  you  and  your  plans  father, 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  159 

and  it  is  well  he  is  silenced.  It  is  one  the  less  to  con- 
tend with.  With  youth  and  bravery  in  his  favor — 
and  love  to  spur  him  onward — he  might  have  come 
off  too  good  for  your  safety." 

"  But  he  is  past  meddling,  now  I" 

"  Unquestionably,  father.  But  what  do  you  intend 
doing  next  ?" 

"  There  is  but  one  way  left  to  rid  ourselves — for  I 
take  it  that  you  are  as  much  interested  in  this  matter 
as  I  am  myself — of  the  girl,  and  to  secure  her  money," 
rejoined  Torillo,  with  all  the  malevolence  of  a  fiend. 

"And  that  is?" 

"  By  killing  her  I" 

"  True,"  responded  Ferdinand,  thoughtfully.  "  But, 
how  shall  it  be  done  ?  and,  can  it  be  done  without 
detection?  Viola  may  have  communicated  with 
others — you  know  not  to  the  contrary — besides  this 
one  ;  and  should  they  become  anxious  about  her — or 
any  thing  of  a  suspicious  character  occur — ^an  explo- 
sion might  follow,  and  we  be  buried  beneath  the 
ruins.  For,  let  the  populace  once  become  excited 
against  us,  and  neither  our  property  nor  our  lives 
would  be  safe.  And  every  day  the  feeling  grows 
stronger,  and  deeper  against  the  Holy  Church,  and 
her  servants.  I  can  hear  it — see  it — feel  it ;  yes,  feel 
it  1"  he  repeated,  bitterly.  "  Papist,  is  becoming  a 
word  of  fear  and  suspicion.  And  men  begin  to  speak 
and  writing  against  the  power  of  the  Church,  as  a  fast 


160  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

increasing  evil,  subversive  of  all  morality,  republi- 
canism, and  law." 

"  Aye,  Ferdinand  ;  but  so  long  as  the  Church  con- 
tinues true  to  herself — so  long  as  we  are  combined — 
that  is  the  talismanic  word — the  accursed  Protestants 
can  make  but  little  head  against  us." 

"  That  is  true,  father  ;  but  while  the  Church  con- 
tinues invulnerable,  we,  individually,  have  a  much 
greater  cause  to  fear  their  daily  increasing  watchful- 
ness. I  but  mean  by  this  that  it  is  better  to  be  cau- 
tious and  triumph,  than  to  be  too  bold  and  fail." 

**  You  are  right,  Ferdinand  ;  but  so  do  I  hate  the 
Protestants,  as  a  body,  that  I  have  little  patience 
with  any  of  them,  individually.  But  I  think  you  may 
be  correct  about  Viola's  having,  probably,  communi- 
cated with  others  besides  her  lover.  I  have  thought 
so  before  ;  and  I  have  endeavored  to  weigh  every 
chance,  pro  and  con.  I  am  not  given  to  rashness, 
you  know.  Still,  I  cannot  see  how  secrecy,  and  an 
ordinary  degree  of  cunning,  may  not  render  us  safe 
against  every  contingency.  It  is  seldom  that  the 
Church  or  the  Society  fails,  together  or  singly,  in 
promoting  the  general  success  of  the  body,  or  the  in- 
dividual designs  of  the  members.  We  are  a  brother- 
hood whose  secrecy  is  impenetrable — whose  power 
is  quick  and  far-reaching — and  whose  laws  are  impla- 
cable. Pish  I  'tis  idle  to  question  our  power,  and 
you  never  did  it  before.     All  at  once  you  seem  to 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  161 


have  grown  chicken-hearted,  or  something  else.  I 
can't  exactly  understand  it.  You  did  not  talk  in  this 
way  when  you  gave  Marie  Sempler — having  wearied 
of  her  love — the  fatal  drink  that  forever  stilled  h^r 
upbraiding  tongue." 

Darkly  lowered  Ferdinand's  brow ;  and  in  that 
moment  he  looked  the  image  of  his  wicked  father. 
Setting  his  teeth  tightly  together,  he  muttered, 
slowly, — 

**  Twas  her  life  or  mine.  I  had  smothered  her 
babe,  and  in  a  moment  of  angry  disappointment,  she 
threatened  me." 

"  I  am  not  speaking  of  the  circumstances,  Ferdi- 
nand ;  I  only  say  that  you  were  not  then  as  fearful  as 
you  seem  now." 

"  I  am  not  fearfvl,  father !  I  am  only  prudent. 
Times  have  changed  since  Marie  met  her  fate.  We 
are  not  now  so  secure  as  we  were  then.  Suspicion 
has  lighted  upon  Papists  generally,  and  our  word  is 
not  now  as  potential  as  it  was  formerly.  Times,  I 
say,  have  changed  ;  and  it  behooves  us  to  be  a  great 
deal  more  wary." 

"  I  know  all  that ;  but  there  are  vaults  beneath 
this  old  house,"  continued  Torillo,  drawing  closer  to 
his  son,  and  speaking  in  a  whisper,  "  deep  and  dark  ; 
from  which  no  cry  could  reach  the  air,  and  of  whose 
existence  only  you  and  me  are  aware.  Our  fore- 
fathers made  their  homes  prison-houses  ;  and,  regard- 


162  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 


less  of  the  laws,  themselves  judges.  Many's  the  one, 
doubtless,  whose  bones  are  now  bleaching  in  the 
dungeons  beneath  us.  Why  not  let  her's  bleach 
there  with  them  ?  Who  but  ourselves  would  be  the 
wiser  ?  Short  allowance,  or  none  at  all,  would  soon 
end  her  career,  and  put  us  in  possession  of  her 
wealth.  Why  should  we  hesitate  ?  Besides  that  we 
want  the  whole  of  her  money — is  not  the  girl  an  apos- 
tate to  her  religion,  and  a  traitor  to  her  family  and 
friends  ?" 

"All  that  I  admit,"  was  Ferdinand's  answer. 
"  With  us,  especially  as  things  are,  the  necessity  is 
indisputable.  I  only  recommend  extreme  prudence  ; 
for  if,  by  chance,  Viola  has  communicated  with  any 
others  of  the  heretics — and  it  is  said,  *  where  there's 
a  will' — and  you  yourself  admit  Viola's  apostacy — 
*  there's  always  a  way' — she  may  be  missed  and  in- 
quired after  ;  and,  in  that  case,  neither  the  power 
of  the  Church,  nor  any  cunning  influence  of  ours, 
could  prevent  the  house  from  being  thoroughly 
searched.  And  hundreds,  doubtless,  would  be  de- 
lighted with  the  opportunity." 

"  But  they  could  never  discover  the  vaults  I"  re- 
joined Torillo,  impatient  at  being  opposed. 

"  They  might.  Stranger  things  than  that  havd 
happened.  Besides,  the  cry  of,  '  They  are  Papists !' 
would  render  still  more  keen  their  naturally  quick 
perceptions.    As  a  body,  we  have  earned-a  notoriety 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  163 


for  all  that  is  terrible  and  wicked.  The  vaults  have 
had  their  day ;  to  use  them  now,  or,  at  least,  in  this 
case,  would  be  a  risk." 

"  Then  we  can  kill  her  in  her  sleep,  or  poison  her 
food,  and  bury  the  body  down  on  the  shore.'' 

"  The  same  objection  presents  itself,  father.  If 
any  suspicion  were  aroused,  the  body  might  be  dis- 
interred ;  and  an  examination  would  disclose  all,  and 
ruin  us." 

'*  What  in  the  fiend's  name  would  you  do,  then  ?" 
shouted  Torillo,  losing  all  control  of  himself.  It's 
you  would,  and  you  w^ouldn't !  I  can't  understand 
what  you  are  aiming  at,  and  I  almost  doubt  whether 
you  know  yourself.     What  would  you  do  ?" 

"  I'll  tell  you,  father,"  was  Ferdinand's  quiet  and 
thoughtful  reply — quiet  and  thoughtful,  because 
there  was  deceit  at  the  bottom  of  it — quiet  and 
thoughtful,  because  he  wished  to  mollify,  not  irritate, 
his  parent — ^because  he  had  a  something  he  desired 
to  accomplish.  "  Listen  I  A  far  better  plan  than 
either  of  those  you  have  suggested  has  come  into  my 
mind  since  we  have  been  talking.  You  will  see  at 
once  that  it  is  much  safer,  and  at  the  same  time 
equally  as  sure.  I  only  wonder  that  you  yourself 
did  not  think  of  something  like  it." 

"  What  is  it  ?"  demanded  Torillo,  sharply  and  im- 
patiently. 

"  Simply  this,  father,"  responded  the  young  man, 


164  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

not  withoi.t  some  hesitation  ;  for  he  lad  considerable 
doubt  as  o  his  capacity  for  blindin  ;  his  intriguing 
parent, — 1  ae  latter  was  so  familiar  vith  all  sorts  of 
plots  and  c  ounterplots, — "  simply  thi> .  Let  me  marry 
Viola,  and  on  the  plea  of  a  marriage  tour,  convey  her 
far  away  cut  of  the  country." 

Torillo  miled  and  frowned  at  tta  same  moment. 
The  propcBition  seemed  to  simultaneously  strike  him 
in  a  diflfer  nt  manner. 

*^  If  not  n  the  passage,"  continued  Ferdinand,  who 
had  been  '  -atching  his  father's  face  but  without  be- 
ing able  t )  fathom  his  feelings,  "  if  not  on  the  pas- 
sage— and  there  is  every  chance — d  m't  you  see  ? — 
that  she  :  light  fall  overboard,  or  leet  with  some 
other  misl  ap — across  the  ocean.  I  3an,  at  least,  rid 
myself  of  J  er,  and  without  the  possi'  ility  of  any  dis- 
agreeable nquiries,  such  as  might  be  instituted  here. 
The  estate  would  then  be  legally  onrs,  and  without 
any  uncor  ifortable  prospects  ahead.  In  a  proper 
time  I  CO  dd  return  home,  with  s<  me  well-turned 
story,  if  it  were  needful,  to  accoun:  for  my  wife's 
disappears  nee.  Here,  you  know,  th  )re  would  be  no 
one  to  con  radict  it.  Of  course  I  should  expect  an 
equal  distiibution  of  Viola's  fortune. ' 

**  Of  cou  se,"  responded  Torillo,  absently,  as  if  his 
mind  were  busy  with  something  else. 

Then  fo  lowed  several  moments  of  unbroken  si- 
lence. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  FaiVi.  165 

"  Well,  father,  what  think  you?"  demanded  Ferdi- 
nand, at  length. 

"But  Viola  ^Tould  never  consent  to  n  arry  you," 
remarked  Torillo,  still  deep  in  meditatiDU.  "The 
plan  is  good  enough,  if  she  would  only  consent  to  be- 
come your  wife," 

"We  need  not  ask  it!"  * 

"  True  ;  very  true,"  rejoined  the  old  ma  i,  slowly. 

"  Well,  shall  :t  be  so  ?"  Ferdinand  inqi  ired  ;  and 
any  other  than  a  really  careless  or  indi  ferent  ob- 
server would  hi.ve  noticed  the  anxious  ea  ^erness  of 
his  manner.  That  it  passed  not  by  his  ft  ther  unob- 
served, admits  c  f  no  doubt. 

After  a  pause  of  several  moments,  Torillc  replied — 

"  Yes,  let  it  bo  so.     Any  way  to  get  rid  3f  her. 

Now  these  two  men — father  and  son,  too  —with  the 
same  object  in  view,  were  playing  direc  ly  against 
each  other.  Viola  was  to  be  the  suflferei ,  however, 
let  which  would  in  the  end  prove  successf  il. 

"  To-night  Ian  weary,  and  would  go  to  bed,"  con- 
tinued Ferdinand,  scarcely  able  to  conceal  his  satis- 
faction. "Besiies,  I  want  time  to  arrange  my 
thoughts.  To-E  orrow  I  will  see  Viola,  an  1,  perhaps, 
I  can  either  coa  :  her,  or  frighten  her,  into  marrying 
me,  and  by  that  means  avoid  the  trouble  of  forcing 
her.  I  can  but  try,  you  know.  And  as  you  have 
partially  let  hei  into  your  designs,  I  ma;,  at  least, 


166  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

effect  something  by  the  terror  of  your  purposes,  if  I 
cannot  by  any  soft  words  of  my  own." 

Take  your  own  course.  You  cannot  do  much 
harm,  if  you  do  no  good..  One  thing,  however,  I 
want  to  urge  upon  you — haste  I  The  moments 
must  not  be  wasted.  What  is  done  must  be  done  at 
once." 

"  Be  satisfied,  father,  that  I  will  lose  no  more  time 
than  is  really  necessary,"  uttered  the  young  man, 
lightly,  as  he  swung  open  the  door  and  disappeared 
from  the  apartment. 

He  fancied  himself  on  the  high  road  to  fortune. 

Tor  a  few  moments,  Torillo  continued  deeply  ab- 
sorbed in  thought ;  but,  at  length,  he  muttered — 

"  Let  him  take  the  job  off  my  hands  I  So  much 
the  better.  When  it  is  done  I  will  have  the  money 
or  his  life.  If  he  rebels,  I  will  send  him  to  the  gal- 
lows ;  or,  better  still,  to  keep  his  mother  company. 
The  fool !  he  cannot  cheat  me !  I  am  too  old  and 
deep  to  be  cozened  by  a  scheme  like  that." 

He,  too,  was  secure  in  a  certainty  of  success. 

As  Ferdinand  closed  the  door  of  his  own  apart- 
ment behind  him,  he  vented  a  low,  gratified  laugh. 

"  How  well  I  misled  the  old  man,  keen,  cunning, 
sagacious  as  he  imagines  himself,"  he  murmured, 
with  another  chuckle.  "  Let  me  but  once  wive 
Viola,  and  her  princely  fortune  is  mine  ;  and  neither 
my  father  nor  any  one  else  can,  or  shall,  deprive  me 


The  Triumph  of  Love  aiid  Faith.  167 

of  it.  But  I  must  be  cautious  until  the  girl  is  secure- 
ly mine,  I  must  seem  to  have  only  father's  interest 
at  heart ;  and  now  that  my  chief  point  is  attained,  I 
must  pliantly  submit  to  all  his  behests  until  after  the 
accomplishment  of  my  object.  I  am  tired  of  being 
dependent  upon  my  father — sick  of  having  to  beg 
for  every  dollar  I  get ;  and,  now  that  a  chance  has 
presented,  by  my  soul !  I  will  make  a  bold  push  for 
myself.  Viola's  fortune  will  set  me  up  ;  and,  come 
to  think  of  it,  I  don't  believe  I  should  hesitate  at  a 
double  murder — if  it  became  necessary — to  obtain  it. 
So,  let  the  old  man  look  to  himself  if  he  attempts  to 
thwart  me.     The  temptation  would  be  great." 

With  these  characteristic  reflections,  Ferdinand 
composed  himself  to  sleep  ;  but  it  was  a  long  time 
before  slumber  bound  his  eye-lids.  His  mind  was 
too  busy  to  rest  easily.  And  Torillo,  too,  had  sought 
his  pillow,  but,  like  his  son,  he  also  lay  awake  revol- 
ving in  his  mind  scheme  after  scheme,  plot  upon 
plot. 

And  Viola,  likewise,  had  long  before  retired  to 
rest,  sick  in  mind  and  body.  And  as  she  restlessly 
turned  upon  her  pillow,  the  agony  cf  her  thoughts 
may  easily  be  inferred  from  her  desperate  condition. 
To  her  frenzied  mind — situated  as  she  was — there 
appeared  no  loop-hole  for  escape  ;  and  her  destiny, 
dark,  terrible,  and  fatal,  seemed  as  unalterable  as  the 
laws  of  the  Medes  and  Persians. 


168  Vioh.  Hastings ;  or, 


CHAPTER   XXYI. 

INTERVIEW    BETWEEN   THE   TWO    COUSINS,    FERDINAND   AND   VIOLA. 
— THE  PROPOSAL  OF  MARRIAGE. — ITS  REJECTION. 

The  incidents  related  in  the  previous  chapter,  it 
will  be  remembered,  occurred  on  the  evening  of 
Viola's  first  arrival  at  the  old  mansion.  The  day- 
following,  the  young  girl  was  too  indisposed  even  to 
leave  her  bed  ;  which,  for  the  time  being,  put  an 
end  to  all  further  persecutions.  Torillo  and  his  son 
chafed  at  the  delay,  but,  from  some  inexplicable 
cause,  submitted  to  it.  Neither,  however,  for  a  sin- 
gle moment,  quitted  the  house  or  grounds. 

Towerds  evening  of  the  second  day  following,  how- 
ever— and  the  reader  will  bear  in  mind  that  it  was 
on  the  morning  of  the  previous  day  that  Kenneth 
Egerton  was  making  preparations  to  quit  Baltimore 
— the  young  girl  felt  somewhat  better  ;  and,  having 
arisen  and  dressed  herself,  she  opened  the  window, 
and  seated  herself  at  it*  The  fresh,  cool  air,  played 
delightfully  upon  her  burning  brow,  but  brought  no 
relief  to  the  agony  of  her  mental  sufferings. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  169 


Her  convalescence,  if  we  may  so  term  it,  was,  of 
course,  speedily  communicated  to  her  uncle.  In  fact, 
that  it  should  be  so,  was  his  express  orders. 

Father  and  son  were  closeted  in  the  library,  dis- 
cussing the  minutiae  of  their  mendacious  designs,  and 
artfully  endeavoring  to  mislead  each  other,  when  a 
light  tap  upon  the  door  arrested  their  attention. 

"  Come  in  !"  said  Torillo. 

The  woman,  Elise,  then  opened  the  door,  and  ad- 
vanced a  few  feet  within  the  apartment. 

"  Well  V^  continued  Torillo,  inquiringly. 

"  Miss  Yiola  has  arisen  and  dressed  herself,^'  said 
Elise.    "  She  Is  now  sitting  by  the  window." 

"  Then  has  the  time  for  action  come,"  said  Torillo, 
addressing  his  son.     "  We  must  trifle  no  longer." 

"No I"  whispered  back  Ferdinand.  "But  first  I 
will  seek  the  interview  with  Viola  that  I  spoke  of." 

"  As  you  please  ;  though  I  do  not  believe  that  you 
will  effect  anything  by  persuasion.  In  the  mean 
time  I  will  send  for  Father  Renouf.  We  shall  need 
his  services." 

''  Unquestionably  !"  rejoined  Ferdinand,  "  for  what 
persuasion  will  not  effect,  force  must.  You  are  agreed 
to  that?" 

Torillo  nodded  his  head  aflSrmatively. 

Then  turning  to  Elise,  the  young  man  continued — 

"  Summon  Vi  )la  to  attend  in  the  parlor,  immediate- 
ly, and  without  saying  by  whose  orders." 


170  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

The  woman — not  receiving  any  contradictory  orders 
from  Torillo — disappeared  to  execute  her  mission. 

Turning  to  his  father  the  youth  again  continued — 

"Notwithstanding  your  presentiments,  father,  I 
hope  to  come  off  successful  with  Viola  ;  and,  I 
scarcely  think  that  I  am  too  sanguine  either.'' 

And  he  did  hope  so  ;  but  principally  because  he 
foresaw  much  trouble  with  the  young  girl  should  it 
be  otherwise. 

"  We  shall  see,^'  was  his  father's  muttered  reply. 

As  Ferdinand  disappeared  through  the  door,  Torillo 
rang  the  little  bell,  and  in  a  moment  after  Marco 
made  his  appearance  in  the  apartment. 

"  Marco,"  said  Torillo,  "  hasten  to  the  city,  and 
summon  hither  Father  Renouf.  I  wish  to  see  him 
immediately." 

"He  has  but  just  this  moment  been  admitted." 

"Indeed!     His  arrival  is  most  opportune.      Send 

him  here.'' 

Marco  turned  and  left  the  apartment. 

*  ^  *  *  *  * 

Viola  received  Elise's  communication  with  painful 
emotion.  But  what  could  she  do  in  such  a  den  of 
hungry,  blood-thirsty  wolves  ?  To  disobey  were  use- 
less ;  and  the  poor  girl  fully  realized  her  apparently 
hopeless  and  unprotected  position.  Kenneth  dead, 
and  her  uncle  arrayed  against  her,  what  could  she 
expect  ?    White  as  a  marble  statue,  and  with  a  heart 


The  Trtumjph  of  Love  and  Faith.  171 

aching  from  days  of  grief,  and  nights  of  sleepless 
agony,  she  sought  th<^  parlor,  not  to  encounter  the 
frowning  brow  of  her  uncle,  as  she  anticipated,  but 
to  meet  the  passionate  glance  of  her  dissipated  and 
equally  dangerous  cousin. 

"  Cousin  Viola,  I  am  glad  to  see  you  1"  said  Ferdi- 
nand, kindly,  at  the  same  time  taking  her  passive 
hands  in  his  own.  ^^  It  is  three  years,  now,  since  last 
we  met,  and  you  were  then,  comparatively,  a  child." 

"  Yes,"  rejoined  Viola,  coldly,  hoping  nothing  from 
her  cousin's  kind  manner. 

"  Why  so  cold  and  distant,  cousin?"  continued  Fer- 
dinand, with  that  same  soft,  wheedling  voice  that  his 
father  knew  so  well  how,  upon  occasions,  to  assume. 
"  I  have  never  injured  you ;  I  have  never  been  unkind 
to  you.  Besides,  I  have  come  now  to  save  you — for 
that  you  are  in  danger  you  must  know — if  you  will 
but  let  me." 

"  Save  me !"  cried  Viola,  quickly,  in  that  one 
thought  forgetting  every  thing  else.  "  Save  me  1" 
and  she  eagerly  bent  forward.     " How?" 

"  Listen  to  me  patiently,  Viola,  and  I  will  tell  you. 
But  you  must  promise  me  not  to  act  hastily,  for  the 
subject  is  an  exciting  one." 

"  Go  on  I"  said  Viola,  in  a  low,  deep  whisper  of 
intense  expectation.  >   . 

"  But  first  hear  what  my  father  has  done — and  I 
assure  you  I  know  every  thing — ani.  what  he  proposes 


172  Viola  Hastings;  or. 


to  do,"  continued  Ferdinand,  seriously,  "  Will  you 
sit  down  ?"  he  inquired,  after  a  pause,  at  the  same 
time  very  politely  handing  the  young  girl  a  chair. 

Viola  silently  sank  into  it. 

Deliberately  Ferdinand  then  related  to  his  cousin 
— and  the  young  girl  never  spoke  a  word  or  moved  a 
muscle  during  the  whole  recital — every  circumstance 
of  his  father's  purposes  and  plans.  And  he  did  not 
spare  the  old  man,  either  ;  on  the  contrary  he  painted 
him  in  the  worst  possible  colors,  dwelling  with  minute 
precision  upon  all  the  bad  points  of  his  disposition 
and  character.  It  was  a  revelation  to  have  appalled 
the  stoutest — but  Viola  heard  it  with  apparent  indif- 
ference. Not  so  in  reality  was  it,  however.  Every 
word  seemed  to  sever,  so  to  speak,  one  of  her  few 
remaining  life  cords. 

Not  even  when  he  informed  her  of  the  plot  to 
induce  her  to  take  the  vail — of  the  falsehood  of  what 
she  believed  to  have  been  her  dying  mother's  request 
— or,  of  the  forged  letter,  did  she  stir  or  speak.  Part 
of  this  she  already  suspected,  but  the  whole  truth 
came  upon  her  with  astounding  effect.  For  awhile 
she  could  not  realize  all  she  had  heard.  It  was  sev- 
eral minutes  after  the  echo  of  Ferdinand's  voice  died 
away,  when  she  slowly  arose  to  her  feet  and  con- 
fronted her  cousin,  who  had  arisen  at  the  same  time. 
And  as  she  did  so,  a  pale,  wan  smile  crept    ver  her 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  173 

white  features.  In  that  moment  she  looked  too 
etherial  for  earth. 

"  Let  me  understand  you  fully,  cousin  Ferdinand," 
she  uttered,  slowly.  "  You  say  that  my  mother  did 
not  prefer  a  wish  that  I  should  consecrate  myself  to 
the  service  of  the  Church — that  it  was  all  a  cheat,  a 
deception  1    Is  that  so  ?" 

"It  is,  Viola." 

"  Thank  God  1  thank  God  1"  cried  the  young  girl, 
fervidly. 

"  But,  Viola,  you  do  not  seem  to  realize  to  what  a 
length  my  father  is  capable  of  going  I"  said  Ferdi- 
nand, disappointed  and  incensed  at  the  little  impres- 
sion which  the  most  important  part  of  his  communi- 
cation— to  his  thinking — seemed  to  have  made. 

"  Fully !"  rejoined  Viola,  with  intense  earnestness. 
"  Fully  1" 

"Fully!"  echoed  Ferdinand.  "Are  you  sure  of 
that?" 

"  I  am,  cousin,  I  am !" 

"  And  what  then  can  you  expect  ?"  demanded  Fer- 
dinand, with  startling  vehemence. 

"What  can  I  expect?"  repeated  Viola,  with  a 
painful  start. 

"  Aye,  what,  cousin  Viola  ?  What  can  you  expect 
from  the  liar,  the  cheat,  the  assassin  ?  What  fate 
can  you  look  for  from  the  murderer  of  Kenneth  Eger- 
tonr 


174  Vida  Hastings;  or, 

Viola's  lips  parted  in  a  low  and  agonizing  scream ; 
and  she  sank  down  upon  the  floor  on  both  knees, 
burying  her  face  in  her  hands. 

"  Viola,  there  is  but  one  way  to  escape  certain 
death  1''  continued  Ferdinand,  bending  oVer  the  girl. 
"  My  father  is  exasperated,  and  as  surely  as  he  has 
said  it,  so  surely  will  he  take  your  life.  And  from 
here  no  cry  can  be  heard,  nor  can  any  assistance 
reach  you.  The  hope  of  help  is  madness.  You  might 
be  murdered,  and  not  one  person  be  the  wiser. 
Think  of  it,  Viola  r 

The  young  girl  was  silent,  her  sobs  alone  indicating 
her  existence. 

"  And  yet  there  is  one  door  of  escape  still  open  to 
you,"  continued  Ferdinand,  earnestly  ;  hoping  that 
he  had  now  so  wrought  upon  the  girVs  fears  as  to  in- 
duce her  to  accept  his  terms.  "  By  becoming  my 
wife  every  door  of  this  house  will  open,  and  you  may 
pass  forth  unmolested.  Then,  in  some  other  land, 
you  may  pass,  with  me,  a  long  and  happy  life." 

Had  the  fang  of  an  adder  penetrated  Viola's  bosom, 
she  would  not  have  started  to  her  feet  with  a  wilder 
look.  Her  large  eyes  dilated,  her  nostrils  contracted, 
and  her  bosom  heaved  with  the  deepest  emotion. 

**  Marry  you  I"  she  cried,  in  tones  of  mingled 
indignation  and  horror  ;  and  as  she  spoke  she  started 
to  her  feet. 

"  And  why  not,  Viola  ?"  demanded  Ferdinand,  his 


The  Triumph  of  Love  aiid  Faith.  175 


anger  deeply  stirred  by  the  intensely  indignant  tones 
of  the  young  girl.  "  Why  not  ?  Am  I  a  monster, 
that  the  thing  seems  so  horrible  ?  Is  death — for 
think  not  otherwise  to  escape — preferable  to  my  em- 
brace ?  Can  I  not  love  you,  and  be  kind  to  you,  as 
well  as  another  ?' 

''  Marry  you !''  reiterated  Yiola,  as  if  the  words  still 
filled  her  mind,  to  the  exclusion  of  everything  else. 

"  Yes,  Viola ;  or  else  you  may  do  that  which  is 
much  worse. '^ 

"  Never !"  responded  the  young  girl,  with  the 
deepest  determination.  "  I  had  rather  die  ! — rather 
suffer  ten  thousand  deaths  than  consign  myself  to 
such  a  loathsome  destiny  1" 

"  You  are  mad,  Viola,  mad  1"  cried  Ferdinand,  pas- 
sionately, enraged  at  the  young  girFs  words.  "  Re- 
fuse this  only  chance,  and  your  life — do  you  under- 
stand me,  girl  ? — your  life  will  surely  be  the  forfeit. 
Think  again,  Viola!  think  again  before  it  is  too 
late  !" 

"  There  needs  no  reflection,"  rejoined  Viola,  firm- 
ly. "  That  could  never  have  been — can  never,  now. 
Come  death,  wdth  all  its  greatest  horrors,  before  such 
a  fate !" 

"  Then  if  you  will  not  be  persuaded,  Viola" — and 
Ferdinand  hissed  the  words  in  the  girl's  shrinking 
ear — "  force  shall  compel  you.  Escape  that,  obstinate 
girl,  if  you  can!" 


176  Viola  Hastings ;  or, 

At  that  instant  a  violent  ringing  of  the  door-bell 
instantaneously  arrested  the  attention  of  both. 

**  Who  can  it  be  ?''  muttered  Ferdinand,  in  a  low, 
half  fearful  whisper  ;  and  at  the  same  time  he  turned 
from  his  cousin,  and  listened  in  the  direction  of  the 
sound. 

^*  Heaven  send  me  help  !''  murmured  Tiola,  gliding 
quietly  and  quickly  from  the  apartment,  by  another 
door  in  the  rear  of  Ferdinand, 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  177 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

THE   JESUIT   AND   FATHER   RENOUF. — THE   DECOY   LETTER. — TH« 
JESUIT   TRAPPED. 

Meanwhile  the  elder  Torillo  had  been- closeted  in 
the  library  with  Father  Renouf.  The  latter  was  a 
dissipated,  sensual  man,  unscrupulous  and  dangerous. 
A  bloat  and  a  libertine,  there  was  little  he  would  not 
stoop  to,  to  gratify  his  appetites.  That  these  two 
had  many  dark  deeds  in  common,  was  but  natural. 

After  the  usual  greetings,  the  priest  remarked — 

"  And  so  youVe  brought  the  girl  home  again  1" 

"  Yes !"  responded  Torillo,  sullenly  and  bitterly. 

"  Convent  life  didn't  take  her  fancy  much,  it 
seems !"  continued  the  priest,  with  a  coarse  laugh. 

"  No,  not  from  the  first  1"  replied  Torillo,  with  an 
oath.  "  Still,  I  think  the  forged  letter  would  have 
accomplished  the  work,  but  for  a  miserably  thought- 
less mistake." 

"How  was  that r 

"  My  directions  were  somewhat  misunderstood,  it 

appears  ;  and,  last  summer,  Viola— who  was  then  at 

8* 


178  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

Mt.  Carmel,  as  you  know — was  permitted  to  leave 
the  Convent  with  the  Sisters  of  Mercy,  to  attend  the 
hospitals  in  the  south.  One  of  her  patients  was  a 
fine-looking,  smooth-tongued  heretic  youth,  an  officer 
in  the  navy.  The  result  of  it  all  was,  that  they  fell 
in  love  with  each  other  ;  and  the  young  man,  as  I 
have  been  informed,  had  almost  persuaded  Yiola  to 
renounce  her  religion  and  fly  with  him,  when  the  Sis- 
ters discovered  what  was  going  on,  and,  alarmed  for 
the  consequences,  speedily  returned  her  to  the  Con- 
vent. As  soon  as  the  news  reached  me  I  started 
after  her,  fully  persuaded  to  forego  any  further 
attempt  to  induce  her  to  take  the  vail.  On  our  way 
I  stopped  one  night  in  Baltimore,  whither,  as  I 
learned,  the  youth  had  followed  us  ;  though  in  what 
manner  he  discovered  my  movements,  I  cannot 
guess." 

Torillo  made  a  slight  pause. 

"  Well,  what  did  you  then  ?^ 

"  At  night  \^e  lured  him  into  the  suburbs  of  the 
city,  and  with  a  quick  blow  sent  the  unshriven  here- 
tic into  the  next  world  !^'  responded  Torillo,  with 
triumphant  vindictiveness. 

"  By  the  Virgin !  an  expeditious  way  of  settling 
matters,"  chuckled  the  priest.  "  He  is  not  likely, 
then,  to  trouble  you  again.  But  what  do  you  now 
intend  to  do  with  your  niece?  as  I  don^t  suppose 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  179 

that  you  have  given  up  your  intentions  in  regard  to 
her  money." 

"  For  her,  death,  too  ;  unless  she  accepts  of  the 
chance  which  I  shall  ofifer  her  through  Ferdinand." 

"  Chance !"  rejoined  the  priest,  opening  his  eyes 
with  astonishment.  "  Does  she  know  anything  of 
what  has  occurred  in  regard  to  herself  or  her 
lover  r 

"  She  knows  everything,"  rejoined  Torillo,  coolly, 
and  much  to  the  amazement  of  the  priest. 

"  Everything  !  Would  you  then  give  her  a  chance 
to  escape,  and  bring  you  to  justice  ?" 

"  I  didn't  say  so,"  was  Torillo's  reply  ;  and  a  dia- 
bolical look  overspread  his  sinister  countenance. 
"  The  chance  I  offer  her  is  to  die  here,  or  somewhere 
else." 

"  Ah !  I  see !"  rejoined  the  priest,  with  a  knowing 
nod. 

"  Die,  however,  she  must,  and  for  three  good  rea- 
sons," continued  Torillo,  sternly.  "  They  are  these  : 
In  the  first  place,  the  Society  and  myself  must  share 
her  estate  ;  in  the  next,  she  now  knows  too  much  to 
be  at  large  ;  and  in  the  last  place,  she  has  turned 
her  back  upon  the  Holy  Church." 

"Destruction  in  every  form  is  a  righteous  judg- 
ment upon  the  apostate  and  the  heretic,"  rejoined 
the  impious  and  hypocritical  priest.  "  But  what  do 
you  now  propose  ?" 


180  Viola  Hastings;  or, 


"  I  did  propose  to  make  very  short  work  of  the 
whole  affair,  but  Ferdinand  raised  so  ins,Tij  py^udent 
objections  that  I  finally  consented  to  his  proposal, 
which,  however,  suits  me  quite  as  well." 

*'  He  is  not  usually  very  scrupulous,"  remarked  the 
priest,  with  a  show  of  wonder. 

"  No  ;  nor  would  he  be  so  now,  did  not  he  think 
to  further  some  design  of  his  own  by  it,"  rejoined 
Torillo,  with  a  smile.  "  He  has  an  object  in  view, 
and  fancies  that  he  can  blind  me." 

''  How  so  ?" 

"  Listen,  and  I  will  tell  you." 

Torillo  then  disclosed  to  the  priest  his  son  s  pro- 
posal in  regard  to  Viola,  winding  up  by  pointing  out 
to  his  companion  w^hat  were  clearly  Ferdinand's 
intentions. 

"  Let  it  be  just  as  he  wishes,"  he  continued  ;  "  and 
say  you  nothing  to  him  that  shall  lead  him  to  infer 
that  I  have  spoken  to  you  on  the  subject.  If  in  the 
end,  however,  he  manages  to  come  out  ahead,  he  is 
welcome  to  the  prize.  But  I  am  neither  dead  nor 
sleeping.  The  ceremony — a  proof  of  which,  if  we 
pursue  this  course,  the  law  will  demand  to  establish 
Ferdinand's  title  to  the  estate — shall  take  place  to- 
night. I  was  about  sending  for  you  for  that  pur- 
pose, when  your  opportune  arrival  saved  me  the 
trouble.  I  take  it  for  granted  that  you  are  ready  to 
officiate." 

P 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  181 

"  By  the  Virgin,  Pedro,  did  you  ever  know  me  to 
refuse  you  a  helping  hand  ?"  rejoined  the  priest, 

"  I  did  not,"  was  the  response. 

"  No,  that  you  did  not.  'Tis  many  years  now  since 
we  agreed  to  aid  and  assist  each  other,  2>^r  fas  et 
nefaSj^  and  I  believe  we  have  both  kept  pretty  well 
by  our  promise." 

"  We  have.  And  if  you  are  satisfied,  I  am.  But 
to  what  I  was  speaking  about,  again.  Now,  unless 
Ferdinand  wins  the  girFs  willing  consent — and  I 
have  but  little  hope  of  his  success — she  will,  doubt- 
less, object  and  resist  to  the  last  extremity  ;  but,  of 
course,  that  must  not  interfere  with  the  ceremony. 
When  the  chapel  is  closed  up,  it  must  be  a  loud  noise 
indeed  that  can  penetrate  the  open  air  ;  and  even  if 
it  should,  this  house  is  so  isolated  that  it  would  never 
reach  human  ear.  And  to  guard  against  even  the 
possibility  of  interruption,  I  will  station  Marco  and 
the  men  around  the  house,  so  as  to  prevent  the  ap- 
proach of  any  one  whatever.'' 

"  Well,  Pedro,  I  guess  we  won't  be  easily  put  out," 
rejoined  the  priest,  with  an  air  of  easy  rascality. 
"  If  the  girl  appeals  to  me  I'll  hand  her  over  to  you." 

"  Do  so  ;  and  if  she  plead  for  mercy,  I'll  thunder 
in  her  ears  anathemas  upon  her  apostacy. 

At  that  moment  the  same  ringing  which  had 
startled   Ferdinand  and  Viola,  startled   these   two. 

*  By  right  or  wrong ;   by  any  means. 


182  Viola  Hastings  ;  or. 

Filled  with  a  similar  unaccountable  alarm,  they  stared 
Into  each  other's  faces. 

"  It  is  the  door-bell !"  whispered  the  priest,  at 
length. 

"  It  is !''  replied  Torillo,  in  the  same  low  tones. 

Then  followed  a  few  moments  of  deep  silence  ;  and 
then  Torillo  walked  quietly  to  the  table,  and  rang  the 
little  bell.  While  yet  his  hand  was  upon  the  bell,  the 
door  opened,  and  Ferdinand  entered  hastily  into  the 
apartment. 

"  Some  one  is  ringing  at  the  door !"  he  said,  ad- 
dressing his  father. 

"  I  hear,''  was  the  response. 

"Who  can  it  be?'' 

"  We  shall  soon  see." 

At  that  moment  there  was  a  light  tap  upon  the 
door. 

"  Come  in  !"  said  Torillo. 

The  next  instant  Marco  entered  the  room,  bearing 
a  letter,  which  he  handed  to  his  master.  All  three 
of  the  men  looked  vastly  relieved.  They  had  ex- 
pected, they  scarcely  knew  what. 

"  For  you !"  said  Marco,  in  his  usually  brief  and 
sententious  manner. 

"  Who  brought  it?"  demanded  Torillo,  while  break- 
ing the  seal. 

"A  man."  ^^^'' 

There  was  a  moment's  pause,  during  which  Torillo 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  183 

perused  the  document.     Then,  lifting  his  eyes  from 
the  paper,  he  said — 

'•  A  man,  I  suppose.    Did  you  inquire  who  he 
was  ?" 

''  Yes.'' 

"Well?'' 

"  He  said  he  was  a  porter  at hotel." 

"  Is  he  gone  ?" 
•  "  Yes.    He  started  right  off." 

"  Did  he  act  suspiciously  ?" 

"No." 

"  Did  he  seem  in  a  hurry  to  get  away  ?" 

"  No." 

"  Everything,  then,  appeared  to  be  just  as  it 
should?" 

"  Yes." 

"  That  will  do.    You  may  go." 

Just  as  Marco  was  in  the  act  of  closing  the  door, 
Torillo  lifted  his  eyes  the  second  time  from  the 
paper,  to  which  he  had  again  dropped  them,  and 
said,  hastily — 

"  Marco  I" 

The  man  halted  and  turned  round. 

"  Tell  the  porter  not  to  admit  any  stranger  past 
the  gate,  hereafter,  without  first  communicating  with 
me.    That  is  all." 

During  this  dialogue,  Ferdinand  and  the  priest 
had  been  loob'ng  on,  with  a  considerable  show  of 


184  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 

wonder  and  curiosity.  As  Marco  closed  the  door, 
Torillo  turned  towards  them,  and  said — 

"  I  suppose  you  are  both  of  you,  curious  and  anx- 
ious to  know  the  contents  of  this  ;"  and  he  held  forth 
the  letter.     "  Well,  you  shall  be  gratified.    Hear  1'' 

Torillo  then  read  as  follows  : 

"  A  gentleman  just  from  Baltimore  has  a  message 
to  communicate  with  Mr.  P.  Torillo  ;  but  in  conse- 
quence of  present  urgent  business,  and  the  necessity 
of  leaving  early  in  the  morning,  he  cannot  himself 
spare  the  time  to  call  on  Mr.  T.      He  will,  however, 

make  it  a  point  to  be  at  his  hotel — the ,  at  ten 

O^clock  this  evening  ;  and  if  Mr.  T.  can  make  it  con- 
venient to  wait  upon  him  then,  he  will  be  pleased 
to  lay  before  him  the  communication  with  which  he 
has  been  charged.'^ 

"  It  is  now  nearly  nine,"  said  Ferdinand,  from  habit 
referring  to  his  watch. 

"  Inquire  for  Albert  Summerfield,  and  you  will  be 
conducted  to  my  room,''  continued  Torillo,  finishing 
the  letter. 

A  pause  of  several  moments  followed  the  reading 
of  this  note,  during  which  the  three  men  seemed  to 
be  busy  with  their  own  thoughts. 

"  Somewhat  singular,''  muttered  the  priest,  break- 
ing the  silence.  "  Do  you  know  of  any  one  who  at 
this  time  would  be  likely  to  send  you  a  verbal  mes- 
sage, as  I  take  it  this  is,  from  the  course  pursued  ; 


The  Triumph  of  Lave  and  Faith,  185 

for  were  it  written,  the  bearer  might  avoid  all  trou- 
ble by  at  once  forwarding  you  the  communication." 

"  Some  things,  father,  do  not  bear  to  be  written, 
still  less  to  be  trusted  to  tl:e  mails,"  was  Torillo's  re- 
sponse. 

"  True,"  replied  the  priest. 

"  Father  Antonio  might  desire  to  communicate 
with  me,"  pursued  Torillo.  "  And  under  the  circum- 
stances he  would  be  more  likely  to  send  a  verbal 
than  a  written  message,  because  the  latter,  in  case 
of  accident,  could  be  used  against  us.  This  mes- 
senger must  be  one  of  us  ;  and  he  is,  probably,  on 
business  of  the  Order,  which  he  cannot  delay  for 
private  purposes  ;  hence  his  inability  to  wait  upon 
me." 

"  Still  he  might  have  sent  you  some  token  to  that 
effect,  which  he  does  not,"  put  in  Ferdinand,  fully  as 
suspicious  as  the  priest,  and  not  pleased  with  a  delay 
that  threatened  to  retard  the  consummation  of  his 
purposes.  "  He  does  not  even  mention  the  name  of 
any  one  in  connection  with  the  message." 

"  It  may  be  a  decoy,"  suggested  the  wary  priest. 

*'  I  think  not,"  rejoined  Torillo.  "  It  has  an  air  of 
honesty  that  I  will  trust.  And  even  were  it  to  prove 
otherwise,  what  have  I  to  fear  ?  My  character  stands 
fair,  even  with  the  heretic  community.  And,  as  for 
the  Baltimore  affair — towards  which  your  suspicions 
«^f^m  to  tend,  I  think — I  feel  assured  th?t  everything 


186  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

is  safe  in  that  quarter.  Doubtless  this  message  is  to 
inform  me  of  what  transpired  after  the  matter  came 
out  ;  which,  in  a  measure,  it  must  have  done.  To 
think  otherwise  were  to  doubt  some  of  the  most 
faithful  servants  of  the  Church." 

"  It  may  all  be  so,"  remarked  the  priest.  "  And 
yet  I  don^t  like  the  looks  of  this." 

"Will  you  go,  father?"  inquired  Ferdinand,  sud- 
denly. 

"  I  shall,"  replied  Torillo,  emphatically.  "  I  can 
lose  nothing  by  it,  and  may  gain  information  of  im- 
portance.    Be  it  as  it  may,  I  w^U  run  the  risk." 

At  this  Ferdinand  and  the  priest  exchanged  a 
glance  which  seemed  to  say — There  is  no  need  of 
further  argument — he  is  set. 

"  But  now,  Ferdinand,"  continued  Torillo,  turning 
to  his  son — "  tell  me  what  success  you  had  with 
Viola  ?^ 

"  None  !"  responded  the  young  man,  bitterly  ;  the 
question  vividly  recalling  to  his  mind  the  interview 
with  his  cousin.  ''  She  declared  that  she  would 
rather  die  than  marry  me." 

"  As  I  thought,"  rejoined  Torillo,  with  a  portentous 
scowl.  "  And  now,  shall  we  compel  her  to  become 
your  wife,  or  shall  we  adopt  the  plan  I  first  pro- 
posed ?     Either  will  suit  me." 

''  I  still  think  my  suggestion  the  best,  father,"  Fer- 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  187 

dinand  replied,  by  no  means  prepared  to  yield  what 
he  thought  was  his  chance. 

"  So  be  it,  then,"  rejoined  Torillo.  "  When  we 
return — for  I  want  you  both  to  accompany  me  ;  not 
that  I  fear  anything,  but  that  I  would  prefer  having 
company  to  going  alone — the  ceremony  shall  be  im- 
mediately performed,  and  in  a  day  or  two  you  can  be 
prepared  to  start  upon  your  bridal  tour.  I  will  my- 
self see  Viola,  and  prepare  her  for  what  now  is  to 
folio w,''  he  went  on,  seizing  the  little  bell,  and  again 
ringing  it. 

The  tintinnabulary  sound  had  scarcely  died  away 
when  Marco  appeared  in  the  door. 

"  Tell  my  niece,"  he  continued,  addressing  himself 
to  the  man,  "  that  I  wish  to  see  her  here  immediate- 
ly.    Say  that  I  will  not  take  a  refusal.     Away  1" 

As  Marco  disappeared,  Torillo  turned  to  Ferdi- 
nand and  the  priest,  and  said — 

"  Now  leave  me  for  a  few  moments.  When  I  am 
ready  I  will  call  you.'' 

Ferdinand  and  the  priest  were  barely  out  of  hear- 
ing, when  Viola,  looking  more  like  a  sheeted  corpse 
than  any  thing  human,  slowly  and  languidly  entered 
the  apartment.  A  moment  of  deep  silence  followed 
her  appearance,  during  which  Torillo  eyed  the  young 
girl  as  one  might  suppose  a  wild  beast  eyes  its  prey 
ere  it  makes  the  fatal  leap.     Viola  trembled,  and 


188  Viola  Hastings;  or^ 

sobbed  like  one  whose  heart  was  breaking  with  the 
weight  of  some  great  grief. 

"  So,  girl  I^'  at  length  hissed  Torillo,  between  his 
set  teeth ;  and  Viola  started  nervously  at  the  frightful 
intensity  of  his  voice  ;  "  so,  girl,  you  are  determined 
to  thwart  me  in  every  thing  1'' 

"  0,  uncle,  have  you  no  pity?''  murmured  the  young 
girl,  looking  up  into  Torillo's  face  pitifully  and  plead- 
ingly. 

"Pity  is  for  women  and  dotards!"  uttered  her 
uncle  in  reply. 

"  God  help  me !''  murmured  poor  Viola,  burying 
her  face  in  her  hands.     "  On  all  sides  am  I  beset." 

"  I  offered  you  a  chance,  and  you  have  refused  it/' 
continued  Torillo,  intensely.  ^'  You  will  not  marry 
Ferdinand,  you  have  told  him.  Think  you  that  to 
starve  in  the  vaults  of  this  old  house  is  better  ?" 

Although  Torillo  had  not  expected  any  thing  else, 
he  was  yet  considerably  put  out  on  finding  that  Viola 
peremptorily  refused  to  willingly  and  quietly  marry 
his  son.  Reflection  had  soon  convinced  him  of  the 
many  selfish  advantages  arising  from  Ferdinand's 
plan,  not  the  least  of  which  was,  that  the  criminal 
part  of  the  transaction  would  thus  be  shifted  to 
another's  shoulders,  even  though  that  other  were 
indeed  his  own  child — flesh  of  his  flesh,  and  bone  of 
his  bone.  But  that  the  ultimate  result — no  matter 
whether  his  own  plan  or  th-^t  of  Ferdinand's  were 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  189 

adopted — would  turn  out  to  his  own  exclusive  advan- 
tage, he  had  not  the  slightest  doubt. 

That  Yiola  was  greatly  amazed  at  learning  of  her 
uncle's  complicity  with  Ferdinand  in  the  marriage 
plot,  considering  the  character  of  the  scene  through 
which  she  had  but  just  passed — ^for  it  will  be  remem- 
bered that  all  of  Ferdinand's  language  directly  tended 
to  produce  a  contrary  impression — is  something  not 
in  the  least  to  be  wondered  at.  Still  she  made  no 
reference  to  the  now  undisguised  collusion,  feeling 
that  to  do  so  would  be  but  a  useless  expenditure  of 
time  and  strength. 

"  As  surely  as  you  live,  girl,  you  threw  away  your 
last  chance  when  you  refused  to  marry  Ferdinand," 
continued  the  false-tongued,  hypocritical  old  man, 
after  waiting  a  few  moments,  and  not  receiving  any 
reply  from  his  niece. 

"  I  could  not  marry  him,  uncle  ;  he  is  too — too," 
and  the  young  girl  hesitated,  really  afraid  to  finish 
the  sentence. 

"  Well,  too  what  ?"  demanded  Torillo,  fiercely. 

"  Too  wicked,  uncle !" 

"Too  wicked,  hey  I''  rejoined  Torillo,  derisively. 
"  Well,  I  suppose  he  is  for  a  saint  like  you.  Doubt- 
less, you  would  have  preferred  that  smooth-tongued 
heretic !" 

Viola  tottered,  gasped  for  breath,  and  clutched  her 
bosom  tightly  with  both  handa.     In  a  few  moments, 


190  Viola  Hastings;  or^ 

however,  she  recovered  herself,  and  then  in  low, 
tremulous  tones,  she  said, 

"  0,  uncle,  spare  me  I  If  it  is  my  fortune  that  you 
so  covet,  take  it  all ;  only  let  me  go.  I  will  never, 
never,  trouble  you  again." 

*'  A  likely  story,  indeed  I"  rejoined  Torillo,  with  a 
bitter  sneer.  "  Why  not  at  once  counsel  me  to  put 
ths  halter  around  my  own  neck  ?  No,  no,  girl ! — out- 
side of  these  walls  you  never  again  go  alive,  unless 
you  go  as  Ferdinand's  wife  1" 

"Then  is  my  doom  sealed  I"  murmured  Yiola, 
despairingly. 

"  Aye,  that  is  it,  unless  you  quickly  change  your 
mind  I"  rejoined  Torillo,  deceitfully.  "And  think 
not  to  escape — hope  not  for  a  change.  Beneath  this 
old  house  you  may  die  and  rot,  and  not  a  living  crea- 
ture will  ever  know  what  has  become  of  you.  If 
inquiry  should  be  made,  there  are  an  hundred  plausi- 
ble excuses,  any  one  of  which  would  allay  all  prying 
curiosity." 

"  0,  uncle,"  sobbed  Viola,  now  almost  entirely 
exhausted  by  the  power  of  her  emotions  ;  and  at  the 
same  time  she  knelt  down  and  clasped  her  little 
iiands  together ;  "  oh,  uncle,  how  have  I  deserved 
this  ?  what  have  I  done  to  make  you  treat  me  so  ?" 

"  What  have  you  done  ?"  yelled  Torillo,  almost 
beside  himseli   vith  the  workings  of  his  black  and 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  191 

wicked  soul.  "What  have  yon  done?  You  stand 
between  me  and  wealth  !" 

"  Have  I  not  said,  Take  it  all !"  and  the  tears  chased 
each  other  in  streams  down  the  young  girl's  face. 

"  0,  yes  ;  and  let  you  go  free  to  inform  on  me ! 
Never,  girl,  never  I^' 

"For  the  love  of  heaven,  uncle,  be  a  little  merci- 
ful !''  pleaded  Y iola.  "  For  the  sake  of  my  mother — 
your  sister — show  some  mercy  to  me.  0,  let  not  my 
prayer  be  entirely  in  vain  I  You  are  human,  uncle  I 
your  heart  cannot  be  entirely  turned  to  stone,  so 
that  the  voice  of  a  suffering  woman,  and  your  own 
kindred,  too,  will  not  reach  its  core  I  Pity  me  then 
— pity  me !'' 

"  So  pleaded  my  wife,  Yiola,  when  she  stood  in  the 
way,  and  refused  to  profit  by  my  counsel.  And  as 
she  pleaded  vainly,  so  do  you.  And  her  fate,  too, 
shall  be  yours.  In  the  very  dungeon  wherein  she 
breathed  her  last — ^for  she  died  here,  in  this  house,  a 
prisoner — shall  you  spend  the  few  remaining  days  of 
your  existence,  if  you  still  continue  obstinate." 

"  0,  uncle,  you  cannot  mean  tliis !''  cried  Viola, 
with  agonizing  intensity.  "  You  could  not  be  so 
wicked  1^' 

"  I  could  be  all  that  I  say,  Yiola,  and  more.  But, 
marry  Ferdinand,  and  I  will  spare  you." 

The  old  hypocrite  did  not  say  that  no  harm  should 
come  to  her— he  only  said  that  he  would  spare  her. 

9:k 


192  Viola  Hastings;  oVy 

At  the  same  time  he  hoped  that  Yiola  would  inter- 
pret his  reply  in  the  former  sense. 

"  Refuse,  and  you  know  the  alternative  I"  he  added. 
"  I  give  yon  until  midnight  to  decide.  But,  remem- 
ber that  escape  is  utterly  impossible.'' 

Torillo  turned  from  the  apartment,  and  Viola  at 
length  succeeded  in  dragging  her  weary  body  to  her 
own  room. 

But  who  shall  describe  the  overwhelming  agony  of 
her  feelings  ? 


The  Triumph  cf  Love  and  Faith.  193 


CHAPTER   XXVIII. 

KENNETH  EGERTON  AND  SCIPIO  IN  PHILADELPHIA. — MORE  COUNTER- 
PLOTTING.— DEPARTURE  OF  THE  JESUlTj  FERDINAND,  AND  FATHER 

RENOUF    FROM    THE    OLD    MANSION. ARRIVAL    OF    KENNETH    AND 

SCIPIO. — PREPARATIONS  TO  RESCUE  VIOLA. 

A  SHORT  time  subsequent  to  the  arrival  at  the  old 
mansion  house  of  the  bearer  of  the  note — the  deliv- 
ery of  which  we  have  already  seen — two  persons  in 
a  row  boat  noiselessly  approached  the  shore  at  the 
bottom  of  the  hill  on  the  river  side  of  the  building. 
The  oars  were  muffled,  and  the  approach  of  the  boat 
could  not  be  heard  even  the  most  trifling  distance. 
As  soon  as  the  boat  was  made  fast — which  was  done  by 
burying  the  small  anchor  in  the  gravelly  beach — the 
men  landed.  One  was  a  white  man,  and  the  other  a 
negro.  The  reader  will  not  be  long  in  recognizing 
Kenneth  Egerton  and  Scipio. 

And  here  let  us  pause  for  a  brief  explanation. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  it  was  on  the  morning 
of  the  third  day — the  third  after  Viola's  departure 
from  Baltimore — that  Kenneth  and  the  negro  also 


194  Viola  Hastings;  or^ 

quitted  that  city.  On  the  morning  of  the  fourth  day 
they  arrived  at  Philadelphia  ;  and  so  anxious  and  im- 
patient was  Kenneth^  and  so  fearful  that  he  had  lost 
too  much  time,  that  he  commenced  operations  in- 
stantly. At  first  he  thought  of  laying  the  whole  mat- 
ter before  the  authorities,  and  of  demanding  their 
assistance  ;  but  reflection  soon  convinced  him  that 
he  would  be  little  likely  to  accomplish  his  aim  by 
such  a  course.  He  had  nothing  besides  his  own 
word  to  back  up  his  declarations,  and  a  powerful  and 
insidious  foe  to  contend  with.  Besides  which,  the 
publicity  such  a  course  would  give  the  affair,  would 
unquestionably  put  Viola^s  persecutors  on  the  alert, 
and  give  them  ample  time  to  remove  her,  or  adopt 
some  plan  to  defeat  inquiry.  In  view  of  these  things, 
he  deteraiined  to  effect  the  young  girl's  release — if 
it  was  to  be  accomplished  at  all — by  stratagem. 

Immediately  after  his  arrival  he  started  out,  ac- 
companied by  Scipio,  to  reconnoiter  the  old  mansion 
house.  While  at  the  hospital,  Yiola  had  g-iven  him, 
very  fortunately,  an  excellent  description  of  the 
place  :  and  after  approaching  the  house  from  the 
public  road  as  near  as  was  practicable,  he  retraced 
his  steps  for  some  distance,  and  then  struck  off  into 
a  by-path  which  brought  him  to  the  river,  where  he 
secured  a  boat.  He  then  rowed  up  and  down  the 
stream,  opposite  the  building,  frequently  ;  and  even 
approached  the  spot  at  which  we  have  seen  him,  at 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  195 


a  later  hour,  land.  In  that  direction  he  knew  the 
window  of  VioWs  room  faced,  unless,  indeed,  her 
apartment  had  been  changed,  of  which  he  had  no 
chance  of  knowing.  Altogether,  his  observations 
convinced  him  that  from  the  river  was  the  best,  in 
fact  the  only  point,  by  which  he  could  hope  to  ap- 
proach the  house  with  the  slightest  chance  of  accom- 
plishing anything.  After  he  had  returned  to  his 
hotel,  he  shut  himself  up  in  his  room  to  reflect. 
Finally,  he  decided  upon  making  an  attempt  that 
night — little  as  he  had  to  work  on — to  rescue  Viola. 
That  the  young  girl  might  not  be  there — that  she 
might  already  have  been  removed,  were  thoughts 
which  presented  themselves  to  his  mind,  creating  in 
his  heart  the  most  poignant  and  insufferable  emotions. 
Upon  chance  alone  he  had  to  depend  ;  and  though 
naturally  strong  of  heart,  some  show  of  despondency, 
under  the  desperate  circumstances,  was  unavoidable. 

After  revolving  in  his  mind  innumerable  schemes, 
he  finally  decided  upon  the  plan  which  we  are  about 
describing.  As  a  preliminary  step  towards  its  ac- 
complishment, he  resolved,  if  possible,  to  decoy  the 
young  girFs  uncle  away  from  the  house  ;  trusting 
and  hoping  that  those  who  remained  behind  might 
not  be  either  as  vigilant,  cunning,  or  dangerous. 

Hope — and  a  rathe"-  forlorn  one — was  all  that  he 
had  to  buoy  him  up. 

In  pursuance  of  the  plan  which  he  had  resolved 


196  Viola  Hastings;  or^ 


upon  adopting,  he  set  about  writing  a  note.  After 
examining  the  subject  carefully,  he  finally  transcribed 
the  one  which  we  have  already  seen  delivered. 

By  this  time  it  was  nearly  eight  o'clock,  and  quite 
dark  ;  and  the  hazy  appearance  of  the  atmosphere 
indicated  a  rising  storm.  After  giving  one  whom  he 
found  he  could  trust,  proper  directions  for  the  safe 
delivery  of  the  note,  himself  and  Scipio  started  ofi" 
ahead.     The  rest  is  already  known. 

And  now  we  will  again  take  up  the  thread  of  our 
story. 

As  soon  as. the  boat  was  properly  secured,  and  a  few 
moments  were  devoted  to  observation,  Kenneth  and 
Scipio  proceeded  to  mount  the  hill,  screening  them- 
selves from  observation — in  case  any  one  should  be 
on  the  watch — by  carefully  creeping  along  from  tree 
to  tree.  As  they  neared  the  top  of  the  hill,  Kenneth 
commanded  a  halt.  At  that  moment  a  few  straggling 
drops  of  rain,  large  and  heavy,  camp  pattering  down 
among  the  branches  of  the  trees  ;  and  the  moon, 
which  had  hitherto  been  dimly  shining,  was  totally 
obscured. 

"  There  is  a  storm  brewing,"  whispered  Kenneth. 
"  But  that,  however,  is  better  for  us." 

"  Dat's  so  !"  responded  Scipio,  in  tones  no  louder 
than  his  master's.  *'  Harderer  him  come  down,  doe, 
all  de  gooderer." 

"AH  is  quiet  so  far,"  continued  Kenneth.     ''Let 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  197 

us  now  get  a  little  higher  up — ^but  be  careful.  The 
cracking  of  a  twig  might  discover  us,  and  run  all. 
Besides,  I  don't  believe  that  the  inmates  of  yonder 
house  would  stand  very  long  at  cutting  our  throats, 
and  tossing  us  into  the  Schuylkill." 

"  Cat's  a  comf 'able  'flection,  Marster  Egaton,"  re- 
joined Scipio,  drily.  "  But  I  guess  afore  dey  dun  do 
dat,  doe,  I'd  make  some  o'  dem  'quainted  wid  dis  yere 
cheese  knife,"  and  Scipio  displayed  a  very  ugly  look- 
ing piece  of  steel. 

"  Be  careful,  Scipio,  and  remember  my  words," 
said  Kenneth,  emphatically.     ^*  We  must  resort  to  * 
such  a  course  only  in  the  direst  extremity." 

"  'Zactly,  Marster  Egaton.  But  I  tink  dat  would 
be  a  'stremity." 

"  Well,  yes,  it  would.    But  now  let  us  move  on." 

Quietly  the  two  now  ascended  the  hill,  until  they 
had  almost  reached  the  level  ground,  when  Kenneth 
again  commanded  a  halt.  They  were  now  within 
some  fifty  feet  of  the  east  side  of  the  house.  Com- 
pletely screened  behind  the  trunks  of  two  large  trees, 
they  were,  however,  effectually  concealed  from  ob- 
servation. 

Again  some  few  large,  heavy  drops  of  rain  rattled 
among  the  branches  of  the  trees. 

"  Dere's  a  light  up  dar,  Marster  Egaton  1"  whisper- 
ed Scipio,  pointing  toward  the  house. 

"  I  see  it,"  responded  Kenneth.     "  From  the  young 


198  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

lady's  description,  it  is  in  the  room  she  formerly  oc- 
cupied. Pray  heaven  her  apartment  has  not  been 
changed !  If  now  she  only  knew  of  our  presence 
here,  she  might  assist  us  greatly.'^ 

At  that  moment  Viola  flitted  past  the  window,  on 
her  way  down  stairs  to  meet  Ferdinand,  as  it  subse- 
quently appeared.  Slight  as  was  the  view  which 
Kenneth  obtained,  he  yet  instantly  recognized  the 
young  girl. 

"  It  is  Viola  !''  he  murmured,  eagerly.  "  Heaven 
bless  her  and  give  us  success !'' 

"  Hark !  Marster  Egaton  !"  suddenly  exclaimed  the 
negro,  after  both  had  remained  quiet  for  some  length 
of  time,  without  seeing  anything  further. 

"  Some  one  is  approaching  the  house,"  rejoined 
Kenneth,  bending  forward  in  an  attitude  of  keen  at- 
tention.    "  It  is  probably  my  messenger." 

"  Dar  he  goes  !"  whispered  Scipio,  as  a  dark  form 
moved  across  the  lawn  toward  the  great  door  of  the 
house. 

"  It  is  he  !"  exclaimed  Kenneth,  as  the  person 
passed  in  full  view. 

The  new  comer  rang  the  bell  quickly,  and  the 
summons  brought  Marco  in  a  few  moments  to  the 
door.  Almost  at  the  same  instant  Viola  again  glided 
past  the  window,  on  her  return  to  her  own  apartment 
after  the  interview  with  Ferdinand.  That,  of  course, 
rew  the  attention  of  Kenneth  and  Scipio  in  another 


The  Triumjjh  of  Love  and  Faith.  199 


direction,  and,  consequently,  what  passed  between 
Marco  and  the  man  was  almost  entirely  lost  to  them. 

"  There  she  goes  again  !"  whispered  Kenneth,  as 
Viola  passed  the  window  ;  and  as  he  spoke  he 
clutched  the  negro  tightly  by  the  arm.  ^*  Even  at 
this  distance  I  can  distinguish  the  pale  and  haggard 
look  of  her  face." 

"  An'  dar  he  goes !''  rejoined  Scipio,  as  the  man 
turned  from  the  door,  and  began  quickly  to  retrace 
his  steps.     "  Dey  got  de  'pistle,  Marster  Egaton  I'' 

^^  They  have,  Scipio  ;  and  now  for  the  result,"  re- 
sponded Kenneth,  his  eyes  alternately  roving  from 
the  window  to  the  door,  and  vice  versa.  If  the  letter 
does  not  draw  the  young  lady's  uncle  away — and  I 
must  say  there  are  nine  chances  it  will  not  to  one 
that  it  will — I  shall  be  at  a  loss  whether  to  proceed, 
or,  for  the  present,  give  up  our  undertaking.  And 
yet  I  cannot  bear  to  think  of  the  latter  contingency, 
feeling,  as  I  do,  that  every  moment  is  of  the  greatest 
importance." 

"  Seems  to  me,  Marster  Egaton,  dat  I'd  nebber  gib 
it  up!"  rejoined  the  negio,  whose  sympathy,  from 
various  causes  combined,  was  deeply  enlisted  in  be- 
half of  Viola. 

"  It  is  a  desperate  chance,  Scipio,  at  the  best,"  re- 
joined Kenneth.  "  We  may  succeed  ;  but  there  is 
every  probability  that  we  shall  not.  Still,  nothing 
ventured,  nothing  won." 


200  Viola  Hastmgs  ;  or, 

Again  Viola  passed  by  the  window,  and  this  time, 
it  will  be  remembered,  she  was  going  down  to  meet 
her  uncle. 

*'  There  again  !''  whispered  Kenneth,  greatly  aston- 
ished.    ^'  What  can  be  the  meaning  of  this?'' 

"  Guess  she  am  walkin'  up  an'  down  de  room,"  re- 
joined Scipio.  "  Seems  to  me  she  mus'  be  in  'flic- 
tion." 

"  That  cannot  be  or  she  would  repass  sooner,  and 
more  frequently,"  returned  Kenneth,  in  anxious  tones. 
*^  No  !  she  goes  out  of  the  room.  What  would  I  not 
give  to  know  the  condition  of  things  inside  those 
walls !" 

Both  now  remained  quiet  for  some  time,  alternate- 
ly watching  the  front  of  the  building,  and  the  window 
of  Viola's  room. 

As  the  young  girl  returned  again  to  her  apart- 
ment, after  the  interview  with  her  uncle,  she,  of 
course,  again  passed  by  the  window ;  the  room — or 
rather  the  door  and  window — being  so  situated  that 
she  must  necessarily  do  so. 

"  Again  she  goes  back,"  said  Kenneth.  "  And  she 
presses  her  forehead  with  her  hand.  Some  mischief 
is  afoot,  I  know.  God  grant  that  I  may  be  in  time 
to  prevent  its  consummation." 

"  Sum  one  comin'  out  o'  de  house,  Marster  Egaton," 
whispered  Scipio,  attracting  Kenneth's  attention 
from  the  window..    "  One,  two»  free,"  counted  the  ne- 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  201 

gro,  as  Torillo,  Ferdinand,  and  the  priest,  emerged 
into  the  open  air.  Marco,  who  followed  them,  re- 
mained just  inside  the  door.  The  light,  which  ^the 
latter  had  brought  with  him,  and  placed  on  a  table 
in  the  hall,  cast  a  bright  gleam  over  the  forms  of  all 
four. 

.  "  The  first  one  there  is  the  young  lady^s  uncle," 
whispered  back  Kenneth.  "  I  know  him  from  her 
description.  One  of  the  others — the  youngest  look- 
ing of  the  two,  doubtless — must  be  his  son  ;  but  who 
the  third  party  is  I  know  not.  ' — sh !  they  speak. 
We  may  learn  something." 

Kenneth  and  Scipio  fell  into  silence,  and  bent  their 
ears  to  hear  what  was  said. 

"  It  is  dark  and  cloudy,"  remarked  the  priest,  with 
an  oath. 

"  Yes — it  bids  fair  for  a  storm.  The  sky  is  very 
lowering,"  rejoined  Ferdinand,  gazing  up  at  the  hea- 
vens. 

"  The  more  reason  that  we  should  hurry  !"  exclaim- 
ed Torillo.  "  Besides,  we  have  but  little  time  to 
reach  the  place  by  the  hour  specified." 

"  Do  you  hear  that,  Scipio  ?"  whispered  Kenneth. 

"I  hear  'em,  Marster,"  rejoined  the  negro,  with  a 
low  chuckle. 

"Somehow,  I  don^t  half  like  this  business,"  re- 
marked the  priest,  but  without  addressing  any  one 

in  particular.    "  As  the  old  women  generally  say,  I 

9* 


202  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

feel  it  in  my  bones  that  something's  going  wrong. 
But,  I  suppose,  there's  no  use  expostulating,"  he 
murmured,  in  a  low  key — too  low  for  either  Kenneth 
or  Scipio  to  distinguish  the  words. 

"  For  my  own  part,  I  shall  not  say  anything  more 
about  it,"  remarked  Ferdinand,  with  a  show  of  indif- 
ference that  he  did  not  feel.  In  his  heart  he  well 
knew  the  utter  impracticability  of  turning  his  father 
from  any  set  purpose  ;  and  therefore  had  resigned 
himself,  under  the  circumstances,  with  the  best  grace 
he  could.  "  At  the  same  time,"  he  continued,  "  I 
can't  see  how  much  is  either  to  be  gained  or  lost  by 
it,  except,  in  the  latter  respect,  some  invaluable 
time  ;  unless,  indeed," — and  he  ventured  this  remark 
with  the  faint  hope  that  it  might  alarm  his  father, 
and  by  that  means  change  his  purpose — "  unless, 
indeed,  the  authorities  of  Baltimore  have  gotten  on 
the  track  of  a  certain  assassin.  In  that  case  it  might 
be  somewhat  dangerous." 

"  It  was  Viola's  uncle,  then,  who  waylaid  me  !" 
said  Kenneth,  mentally.  "  I  thought  I  recognized 
the  voice." 

"  Peace,  boy,  peace  !"  hissed  Torillo,  fiercely,  turn- 
ing upon  his  son.  "  Keep  that  tongue  between  your 
teeth,  or  wag  it  at  somebody  else's  expense.  And 
when  I  want  your  counsel,  either  of  you,  I  will  ask  it. 
Now,  if  you  like  not  to  accompany  me,  stay  behind. 
I'll  go  alone.    But,  go  I  will,  let  the  cost  be  what  it 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  203 

may !  Marco !"  he  added,  addressing  his  menial, 
"  turn  the  dog  loose,  and  keep  a  strict  watch  around 
the  house  until  I  return.     Remember  what  I  say  V^ 

With  that  Torillo  started  off  down  the  avenue,  and 
Marco  came  outside,  closed  the  door,  and  passed 
round  the  corner  of  the  building,  disappearing  out 
of  sight  on  the  west  side. 

^^  Drat  the  dog !''  muttered  Scipio,  as  his  quick  ear 
caught  Torillo^s  order.  "He'll  spile  all,  Marster 
Egaton !'' 

''  ' — ^sh  !''  said  Kenneth,  quickly.  "  See,  he  goes 
alone." 

"  The  old  man's  in  one  of  his  stubborn  moods," 
whispered  Ferdinand  to  the  priest,  at  this  moment. 
Torillo  had  started  forward.  "  We  might  as  well 
follow  him,"  he  added.     ''  Come  on  !" 

"  I  suppose  so  !"  rejoined  the  priest,  snappishly. 

As  these  two  then  started  after  Torillo,  Kenneth, 
who  had  been  holding  his  breath  in  anticipation  of 
their  movements,  vented  a  sigh  of  relief,  and  mur- 
mured, thankfully— 

"  Heaven  be  praised,  they  go  too !" 

At  the  same  moment  the  rattling  of  chains  struck 
upon  his  ear  ;  and  the  next,  a  huge  black  mastiff 
bounded  into  the  open  space  in  front  of  the  house. 

"  Dar's  dat  funnel  dog  !"  muttered  Scipio.  "  How 
'voking  I  how,  what  de  debble  dus  people  keep  dogs 
fur,  anyhow  I" 


204  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 

"  ' — sh  !"  whispered  Kenneth.  "  Here  comes  the 
man." 

As  he  spoke,  Marco  came  around  the  corner  of  the 
house,  and  halted  when  within  some  few  feet  of  the 
hall-door.  After  looking  up  at  the  sky,  then  peering 
out  into  the  darkness,  and  finally  addressing  the  dog, 
he  entered  the  house,  locking  the  door  behind  him. 
The  click  of  the  lock  as  the  bolt  shot  into  its  place, 
was  distinctly  heard  by  Kenneth  and  Scipio,  and  re- 
assured the  former  of  the  utter  impracticabihty  of 
effecting  an  entrance  in  that  way. 

The  moment  Marco  disappeared,  the  dog  began 
scenting  the  ground,  noseing  around  among  the  plants 
and  shrubs.  And  again  the  fitful  rain-drops  rattled 
among  the  branches  of  the  trees.  Some  time  passed 
in  this  manner — Kenneth  and  Scipio  afraid  to  make 
the  least  movement  in  dread  of  prematurely  alarming 
the  dog,  and  thus  betraying  their  presence  ;  and  yet 
unable  to  imagine  anynvay  of  getting  rid  of  him. 

During  this  time,  too,  the  rain  had  begun  to  pour 
down  in  a  thick,  heavy,  inundating  volume.  It  was 
one  of  those  occasional  storms  which  sometimes  de- 
luge the  earth  ;  in  a  moment,  as  it  were,  overflowing 
every  practicable  point.  And  with  the  rain,  too, 
came  the  quick,  terrible  cracking  of  the  eternal 
thunder,  and  the  sharp,  vivid  flashing  of  forked 
lightning. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  205 

"  It's  coming  now,  Scipio !"  whispered  Kenneth, 
alluding  to  the  storm. 

"  Golly,  dat's  so !''  responded  the  negro. 

"  Time  passes,  too,"  continued  Kenneth.  "  We 
must  make  some  move  or  we  shall  waste  the  time  and 
accomplish  nothing.  The  young  lady's  uncle,  and  his 
companions  will,  no  doubt,  hurry  back  quickly  when 
they  discover  the  cheat,  even  if  the  storm  does  not 
prevent  them  from  going  on  at  all." 

"  Yes,  but,  Marster  Egaton,  how  we  gwain'  for  to  do 
eny  ting  wid  dat  'funnel  black  dog  out  dar  ?  Shu'  as 
we  move,  he'll  bark !" 

"  See,  he  draws  near  us  !  he  scents  us  I"  said  Ken- 
neth, as  the  dog  with  his  nose  close  down  to  the 
ground  gradually  drew  nearer  to  the  spot  where  him- 
self and  Scipio  were  standing.  "  Draw  your  knife," 
he  added,  setting  the  example,  "and  the  moment  he 
makes  at  us — which  it  is  likety  he  will  do  as  soon  as 
he  discovers  us — stab  him.  Let  your  blow  be  quick 
and  sure,  so  as  to  prevent  him  from  giving  any 
alarm." 

"  I'se  dar,  Marster  Egaton !"  responded  Scipio.  "  I 
once  fit  a  bloodhoun',  an'  I  knows  sumfin'  'bout  it." 

As  the  last  word  passed  the  negro's  lips,  a  vivid 
flash  of  lightning  illuminated  the  whole  scene,  reveal- 
ing the  great  dog  within  a  few  feet  of  them.  In  the 
same  mgment  the  brute  also  spied  the  negro,  and 
venting  a  low  growl,  which  he  ended  with  a  quick, 


206  Viola  Hastinys  ;  or, 

sharp  bark,  he  sprang  full  at  Scipio's  throat.  But  as 
the  black  had  just  declared,  he  had  had  some  experi- 
ence in  that  way,  and  he  met  the  animal's  charge 
firmly  and  steadily.  Catching  the  dog  by  the  throat 
with  his  left  hand,  with  his  right  he  buried  the  knife 
deep  in  his  head.  It  was  a  powerful  and  well-directed 
blow. 

At  the  same  moment  that  the  dog  sprang  at  Scipio, 
Kenneth  dashed  at  the  furious  beast,  and  almost 
simultaneously  with  the  negro  ran  his  knife  through 
the  brute's  body.  Without  a  groan  the  dog  expired. 
Both  then  seized  hold  of  the  body,  and  dragging  it 
quickly  a  little  further  down  the  hill,  placed  it  against 
the  trunk  of  a  tree,  and  then  returned  to  their  former 
position.  All  this  occurred  within  the  space  of  a 
very  few  moments  after  the  dog  barked. 

"  Are  you  hurt,  Scipio  ?''  inquired  Kenneth,  as  soon 
as  they  had  regained  their  place  of  concealment. 

"  Not  a  scratch,  Marster  Egaton  !  Dat  dog  wasn't 
no  'count  arter  all." 

Some  movement  at  the  house  now  arrested  the 
attention  of  Kenneth  and  Scipio,  and  both  instantly 
became  silent.  Directly  the  hall  door  was  flung  open, 
and  the  forms  of  two  men  appeared  reflected  on  the 
light  in  the  background.  It  was  Marco  and  one  of 
the  servants.  After  looking  about  them  for  some 
time,  the  latter  said  to  the  former — 

"  I  don't  see  the  dog  nor  hear  him." 


The  Triumph  of  Love  a)\d  Faith.  207 

"  Nor  I,"  rejoined  Marco. 

"  I  heard  him  bark,  though,  I^d  swear." 

*'  So  did  I." 

^'  He  was  angry,  too." 

"  Yes.     Let  us  look  around." 

Marco  passed  down  the  steps  followed  by  the  man ; 
and  Kenneth  and  Scipio  watched  their  movements 
with  great  anxiety,  and  some  alarm.  The  storm, 
however,  was  in  favor  of  our  adventurers,  as  it  pre- 
vented too  strict  a  search  from  being  made. 

Marco  and  the  man,  after  drawing  up  their  coat 
collars,  and  each  bestowing  a  choice  expletive  on  the 
raging  storm,  passed  around  from  the  front  to  the 
west  or  off  side  of  the  house,  from  thence  around  to 
the  rear  or  north  end,  and  from  thence  again  to  the 
east  side,  in  front  of  which,  of  course,  Kenneth  and 
Scipio  were  stationed.  As  they  came  around  the 
north-east  corner  of  the  building,  a  flash  of  lightning 
revealed  their  presence  to  the  concealed  men. 

'^  Every  thing  looks  right,"  remarked  the  man  to 
Marco,  as  they  passed  along. 

"  Yes,"  rejoined  the  latter.  "  Mostiikely  the  dog 
barked  at  the  lightning,  and  then  ran  off  into  the 
woods." 

"  How  it  does  rain,"  muttered  the  man,  with  an  oath. 
"  The  dog  ought  to  be  choked  for  bringing  us  out  in 
such  a  storm,  and  without  a  cause." 

"  Let  us  get  in.    He  will,  no  doubt,  return  in  a  few 


208  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 

moments,  and  nobody  can  approach  the  house  while 
he  is  loose." 

"  'Cept  we,"  whispered  Scipio,  with  a  low  chuckle 
of  satisfaction. 

The  men  had  now  reached  the  door,  and  after 
taking  another  look  around,  they  reentered  the  house. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  209 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

viola's   escape   nearly   accomplished. 

"  De^re  gone,  Marster  Egaton,"  whispered  Scipio. 
"  De  funnel  fools,  to  tink  dat  yere  dog  was  eny 
'count  I" 

"  Now's  our  time,"  said  Kenneth.  "  The  ground  is 
clear,  and  for  the  present  no  further  examination  will 
be  made.  I  take  it  these  fellows  are  not  as  vigilant 
as  their  master  is  ;  and  we  may  be  thankful  they  are 
not.'' 

"  Dat's  just  so,  Marster  Egaton !" 

"Now  listen  to  me,  Scipio,"  continued  Kenneth, 
speaking  quickly.  "  Much  is  to  be  done,  and  there 
is  little  time  to  do  it  in.  It  is  quite  evident  that  the 
only  way  for  us  to  communicate  with  the  lady,  or 
render  her  any  assistance,  with  the  least  chance  of 
success,  is  by  the  window  of  her  apartment.  To 
enter  the  house  any  other  way  is  out  of  the  question. 
This  I  want  you  to  attempt — not  that  I  seek  to  avoid 
any  trouble  or  danger  myself,  but  that  I  think  it  ad- 
visable for  the  success  of  our  enterprise.     Without 


210  Viola  Hastings;  or, 


a  doubt  the  young  lady  has  been  led  to  think  that  I 
am  dead,  and  my  sudden  appearance  in  her  room 
might  create  a  scene  that  would  discover  and  ruin 
all.     Do  you  understand  me  ?" 

"  I  does,  Marster  Egaton/' 

"  And  are  you  willing  to  run  the  risk,  and  incur 
the  danger  ?'^ 

"  Dun  you  spoke  'bout  it,  Marster  Egaton.  'Sides 
you  are  in  jestxas  much  danger  down  yere  as  ef  you 
was  up  dar.     Dat's  so,  now  !" 

"  You  are  about  right,  Scipio.  But  can  you 
climb  r 

'^  Like  a  monkey,  Marster  Egaton  !'' 

"  Approach  the  house  softly,  then,"  continued  Ken- 
neth. "  When  you  think  you  are  near  enough,  pick 
up  a  pebble,  and  cast  it  against  yonder  window. 
Doubtless  that  will  attract  the  young  lady's  atten- 
tion— at  least  we  will  hope  so — and  draw  her  to  the 
window.  You  can  then  tell  her — ^but  be  sure  and 
speak  in  very  low  tones — that  a  friend  who  is  fami- 
liar with  her  unfortunate  position  has  sent  you  to  re- 
lease her  ;  and  if  she  will  make  a  rope  of  something 
by  which  you  can  enter  her  room,  you  will  see  what 
can  be  done.  Mention  your  name  ;  she  will  probably 
remember  it,  and  that  may — no  doubt,  will — induce 
her  to  believe  ypu.  Should  she  question  you  more^ 
however, — and  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose  she  may — 
tell  her  that  one  who  knew  Kenneth  Egerton  i?.  wait- 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Fait'i.  211 

ing  to  receive  her  ;  but  don't  say  that  it  is  myself, 
for  it  might  overpower  her,  and  thus  frustrate  our 
plans.  Before  lowering  her  down,  see  that  she  is 
wrapped  up  thickly  and  warmly,  or  this  driving 
storm  may  prove  too  much  for  her  tender  frame. 
When  she  is  down,  descend  yourself,  and  rejoin  me. 
Do  you  now  understand  what  I  have  been  telling 

you?" 

"  'Cisely,  Marster  Egaton,  'cisely.  But  s'pose  she 
won't  lieve  me,  how  den?" 

"  Then  we  must  resort  to  some  other  method.  But 
I  don't  anticipate  any  trouble  in  that  respect, 
Scipio." 

"  And  sposen  she  ain't  got  noten'  for  to  make  a 
rope,  nudder,  Marster  Egaton,  how  den  ?" 

"  Let  her  tie  some  of  her  clothing  together — that 
will  answer  every  purpose." 

"  Dat's  so,  Marster  Egaton,  dat's  so !" 

"  Now  go,"  continued  Kenneth.  "  But  be  quick 
and  cautious  ;  for  as  I  said  before,  we  have  little 
time  to  spare.  I  will  remain  here  and  watch.  In 
case  of  danger,  depend  upon  my  assistance.  I  will 
never  desert  you." 

All  this  time  the  rain  was  pouring  down  in  tor- 
rents— the  thunder  bellowing,  and  the  lightning 
flashing  with  almost  blinding  brilliancy. 

With  a  quiet,  noiseless  movement,  Scipio  cautious- 
ly approached  the  house.     When  directly  under  the 


212  Viola  Hastings;  or, 


window  of  Viola's  apartment- — from  which  still 
gleamed  the  reflections  of  a  light,  though  now  the 
curtains  were  dropped — he  stooped  down  and  picked 
up  a  few  small  pebbles.  Casting  them  at  the  win- 
dow, the  stones  struck  the  glass  with  a  sharp,  rat- 
tling sound.  A  moment  after,  Viola,  pale  and  hag- 
gard, appeared  at  the  window,  drew  aside  the  cur- 
tains, and  looked  out ;  but  the  intense  darkness  con- 
cealed every  object,  and  she  disappeared  without 
giving  the  incident  any  further  attention  ;  doubtless, 
attributing  the  noise  which  had  attracted  her  atten- 
tion to  the  storm. 

"  Now  jest  look  a  dat !"  nruttered  Scipio,  audibly  ; 
in  his  disappointment  forgetting  some  of  his  caution. 

" sh!"  said  Kenneth,  who  had  easily  caught 

the  sound  of  his  voice.     *'  Try  again." 

The  next  moment  a  few  more  well  directed  pebbles 
rattled  against  the  glass  ;  and  again  Viola  appeared 
at  the  window,  and  drew  aside  the  curtains.  As  she 
peered  through  the  window,  with  her  face  pressed 
tightly  to  the  glass,  and  shaded  by  her  hands,  a  flash 
of  lightning  lit  up  the  surrounding  space,  and  doubt- 
less, revealed  to  her  the  form  of  the  negro,  for 
instantly  after  she  raised  the  sash  and  inquired, — 

"  Who's  there  ?" 

"  Scipio,  Missus.  Dun  you  'member,  Scipio  ?  But 
fust  let  me  tell  you  to  spoke  berry  low,  'kase  we  ain't 
got  many  friens'  'bout  yere." 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and    Faith.  213 

"  Yes,  I  do  remember  you,"  rejoined  Viola  ;  and 
the  thought  recalled  an  agonizing  memory  of  Ken- 
neth. "  But  what  has  brought  you  here  at  this  time 
of  night  ?  and  such  a  night,  too." 

"  I  cum  to  git  you  out  o'  dis  yere,  ef  agreeable. 
Dat's  so  1" 

"  Are  you  all  alone  ?"  demanded  Viola,  in  trem- 
bling tones,  as  a  hope  of  liberty,  bright  as  the  sun 
after  a  raging  storm,  welled  up  in  her  bosom. 

"  0,  no,  Missus.  Bar's  a  frien'  o'  your's  out  yere. 
Dat's  so !" 

"  A  friend  !  Come  to  save  me  !"  murmured  Viola, 
tremblingly.     "  You  are  not  deceiving  me,  are  you  ?" 

"  Ef  I  am  I  hope  I  may  broke  my  neck  afore  I  git 
up  dar,"  replied  the  negro,  indignantly. 

*'  But  how  are  you  to  reach  this  window  ?"  Viola 
inquired.     "  The  distance  is  great." 

"  Marster  Eg — ,"  began  the  momentarily  thought- 
less negro  ;  but  immediately  correcting  himself, 
though  with  some  confusion,  he  continued — "  no,  not 
dat.  I  mean  your  frien'  out  yere,  he  say,  ef  you  ain't 
got  no  rope.  Missus — an'  I  don't  'spec  you  hab — you 
jest  take  an'  tie  sum  o'  your  gownds  togedder,  an' 
lower  dem  out.  But,  Missus,  you  mus'  be  mighty 
quick.     Dat's  so,  now  !" 

"  I  will !  I  will  1"  cried  Viola,  the  prospect  of  free- 
dom— the  hope  of  escaping  the  clutches  of  her  uncle, 
inspiring  her  mind  with  new  courage,  and  her  body 


214  Viola  Hastings,    r, 

with  new  strength.  "  I  would  try  to  get  a  rope  from 
the  store-room,  but  that  the  door  of  my  apartment 
has  been  locked  on  me." 

"  Well,  ncbber  mind  now.  Missus  ;  only  jest  hurry 
wid  de  odder  tings,"  rejoined  Scipio,  with  eager  impa- 
tience. ''  Golly,  how  him  rain  I"  he  continued,  hug- 
ging up  close  to  the  wall. 

It  was  true  that  Viola  had  been  locked  in  her  room. 
After  returning  to  her  apartment  from  the  interview 
with  her  uncle,  grown  desperate  with  the  emergency 
of  her  situation,  she  would  have  made  an  effort — and 
unquestionably,  under  the  circumstances,  a  fruitless 
one — to  escape  ;  but  on  trying  her  room  door  she 
found  that  it  was  locked.  And  thus  it  happened. 
At  Torino's  direction  the  woman  Elise  had  followed 
the  young  girl  up  stairs,  and  turned  the  key  upon 
her.  And  then  he  felt  secure  of  her.  Not  for  a 
moment  did  he  think  that  she  would  attempt  to  escape 
by  the  window,  or  that  any  outside  effort  would  be 
made  to  release  her.  Kenneth  dead — as  he  imagined 
— there  was  little  danger  of  such  a  contingency  as  the 
latter.  If  he  had  thought  otherwise,  Viola  would  have 
been  removed  to  some  other  and  more  secure  apart- 
ment. Nor  did  the  young  girl  think  of  escaping  by 
the  window  ;  in  truth,  without  some  aid  she  was  une- 
qual to  such  a  task. 

Directly  after  Viola  disappeared  within  the  room, 
Kenneth — who  could  see  the  movements  that  were 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  215 

made,  thougli  indistinctly — called  to  the  negro,  and 
Scipio  quietly  retraced  his  steps  to  where  his  master 
was  concealed. 

''  If  I  understood  rightly,  Scipio,  the  young  lady  has 
credited  your  story,''  whispered  Kenneth. 

"  She  hab,  Marster  Egaton,"  rejoined  the  negro, 
sententiously.  "  An'  she  am  now  gederin'  up  sura  o' 
her  gownds  for  to  tie  togedder,  as  you  'rected.  But, 
Marster  Egaton,  did  you  ebber  see  it  rain  so  funnel 
hard  afore  ?" 

**  The  storm  is  very  heavy,"  rejoined  Kenneth. 
''But  still  we  should  not  complain,  for  in  every  way 
it  favors  us  greatly.  Should  any  one  within  the  house 
happen  to  hear  us,  the  noise  wall  most  probably  be 
attributed  to  the  rushing  of  the  wind  and  rain,  and  it 
is  not  likely  that  there  is  any  one  watching  outside. 
But  we  must  no  longer  parley  about  the  storm.  It 
cannot  now  be  a  great  while  before  the  absent  men 
will  return,  and  should  they  arrive  before  we  are  off, 
the  consequences  may  prove  of  the  most  fatal  char- 
acter. I  would  die  rather  than  surrender  Viola,  and 
what  could  we  two  do  in  a  hand  to  hand  encounter 
against  five  ?  and  that  number,  we  have  seen,  would 
certainly  be  opposed  to  us." 

"  Rudder  long  odds,  Marster  Egaton,"  responded 
Scipio. 

"  Yes,  too  much  for  us  to  risk,  if  we  can  possibly 
avoid  it.     But,  come,  let  us  approach  the  house.     I 


216  Viola  Hastings;  or^ 

will  go  with  you  now.  As  soon  as  you  are  in  the 
young  lady's  apartment  lower  her  down.  I  will 
stand  beneath  to  receire  her." 

After  listening  a  moment,  .Kenneth  and  Scipio 
cautiously  approached  the  house,  striking  directly 
across  the  open  space  in  the  neighborhood  of  Viola's 
apartment.  Their  place  of  concealment  happened 
to  lay  opposite  the  south-east  corner  of  the  house, 
while  Viola's  room  was  situated  in  the  north-east 
corner.  Kenneth  then  stationed  himself  close  up 
against  the  wall  ;  but  Scipio  stood  further  out  and 
more  exposed  to  view.  Almost  immediately  after 
they  reached  the  spot,  Viola  reappeared  at  the  win- 
dow, and  cautiously  scrutinized  the  level  space  be- 
neath her. 

"  Hist  I"  said  Scipio.  "  I'se  yere.  Missus.  Hab 
you  got  de  tings  ready  ?" 

"  I  have,"  responded  Viola,  her  voice  shaking  with 
the  variety  of  her  emotions. 

''  Am  dey  'trong  ?" 

"  Yes." 

''  Den  make  um  fast  dar,  an'  lower  away." 

"It  is  fast,"  responded  the  young  girl,  as  she 
lowered  down  the  substitute  for  a  rope.  "  Now, 
heaven  help  you,  if  you  be  true  and  honest!" 

Scipio  caught  the  end  as  soon  as  it  came  within 
his  reach,  and  bracing  his  feet  against  the  wall,  he 
began  to  make  the  ascent.      Kenneth  watched  the 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  217 

began  to  make  the  ascent.     Kenneth  watched  the 
sure  footed  and  powerful  fellow  with  painful  anxiety. 
At  last  he  reached  the  window,  and  throwing  his  legs 
across  the  sill,  he  disappeared  within  the  room. 
We  will  follow  him. 


218  Viola  Hastings;  or, 


CHAPTER   XXX. 

viola's  ESCAPE  CONTINUED. — ALMOST  DISCOVERED. — FREE  AT  LAST. 
— CROSSING  THE  SCHUYLKILL. 

Fob  a  moment  after  his  feet  touched  the  floor,  the 
negro  remained  motionless,  panting  for  breath.  The 
ascent  Had  been  an  arduous  one,  and  it  had  taxed 
even  his  iron  nerves.  Viola  silently  regarded  him 
with  feelings  too  full  for  utterance.  Was  it  indeed 
liberty  that  he  brought  her  ?  or  was  it  some  other 
trick  to  lure  her  into  greater  danger  ?  These  thoughts 
swept  through  the  young  girl's  mind. 

^*  De  high  golly,  Missus,  but  dat  was  hard  work," 
said  Scipio,  at  length,  in  a  whisper. 

Then  turning  to  the  window  he  began  quickly  to 
draw  in  the  line,  saying — 

"  Missus,  we  mus'  be  quick  afore  sumbody  cotch 
us.     Dat's  so,  now  !" 

"  But  my  uncle  !"  rejoined  Viola,  breathlessly. 
"  Should  he  discover  us — and  I  fear  he  may — he 
would  murder  us  all,  I  feel  convinced.'^ 

"  Fine  ole  man,  dat  uncle  o'  yourn,  I'se  no  doubt," 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  219 

rejoined  Scipio,  "  But  you  see,  Marster — he's  down 
dar  waitin'  for  you  ;  an'  a  boat's  down  to  the  ribber 
dar  waitin'  for  us  all — Marster,  he  'ticed  him  an'  two 
udder  fellers  away,  so  dat  de  coast  would  be  purty 
clear.     Dat's  so  1" 

"•  Away  I  Uncle  and  Ferdinand  away  I"  muttered 
Viola,  bewildered  by  the  passing  events. 

''  Free  fellers  went  away,  'cause  I  seed  um  go  ; 
an'  Marster  he  sent  the  'pistle  w^hat  'ticed  um  away." 

"  But  who  is  your  master  ?"  Viola  inquired,  eager- 
ly. Then  pressing  her  hand  to  her  forehead,  she 
continued,  as  if  communing  with  herself — '4t  is 
strange  who  could  feel  such  an  interest  in  my  be- 
half;  and  stranger  still  who  could  be  so  familiar  with 
my  hapless  condition.  I  know  not  what  to  think. 
What  if  it  be  but  a  plot  concealing  some  greater 
danger  ?  Greater  danger !  Can  I  be  in  greater 
danger  than  I  have  been  ?  than  I  am  in  here  ?  And 
this  man  seems  honest  I  He  knew  Kenneth,  too  I 
Shall  I  not  run  the  risk  ?" 

Viola  had  thus  expressed  herself  aloud,  and  as  her 
words  struck  on  the  negro's  ears,  his  eyes  distended 
with  astonishment. 

"•  Dis  ain't  no  plot,"  he  said.  "  Pat  is,  'taint  no  plot 
to  hurt  you,  Missus.  An'  as  for  dis  niggar's  bein* 
honest,  dat's  shu.     'Sides  dar's  Marster  Ega " 

Scipio  suddenly  called  to  mind  Kenneth's  caution, 
and  came  to  a  dead  pause  ;  but  Viola — ^now  more 


220  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

fully  alive  than  before  to  every  word  that  was  spo- 
ken— had  caught  the  half-uttered  name,  and  her  face 
expressed  the  varied  emotions  that  it  conjured  up. 

"  Wlio,  who,  did  you  say  ?"  she  inquired,  in  a 
breathless  whisper.  ^'  Tell  me,  who  is  your  master, 
and  who  waits  for  me  ?  Tell  me,  or  I  cannot  trust 
myself  from  this  room  !'^ 

*'  Well,  now,  Marster  tole  me  not  to.  Missus,  'kase 
it  might  '{eve  wid  our  'scape.  But  ef  you  won't 
'lieve  me,  an'ell  jest  keep  still,  an'  not  holler,  an'  be 
mighty  quick,  I'll  whisper  him  to  you." 

*'  Anything  !  everything  !"  rejoined  Viola,  breath- 
lessly. "  Only,  in  mercy  relieve  me  from  this  sus- 
pense." 

First  drawing  up  close  to  the  young  girl — who 
stood  there  the  very  picture  of  anxious  expectation 
— Scipio  then  brought  his  mouth  in  immediate  proxim- 
ity with  her  ear,  and  whispered — 

"  Now  take  car,  Missus.  'Member  what  I  tole  you, 
an'  dun  you  holler." 

"  Go  on  !"  murmured  Viola,  intensely. 

"  "Well,  you  see,"  continued  Scipio,  in  the  lowest 
possible  whisper,  as  if  he  thought  that  speaking  so 
would  prevent  his  communication  from  having  too 
great  an  effect — "  you  see,  Marster  Egaton  warn't 
killed  as  dey  fought ;  an'  he's  down  dar  under  de 
winder  waitin'  for  you." 

A  loud,  piercing  shriek,  not  of  agony,  but  of  over- 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  221 

powering  emotions,  burst  through  Viola's  white  lips, 
and  rang  throughout  the  old  house  ;  and  then  the 
young  girl  sank  unconsciously  to  the  floor.  Thus 
was  precipitated  the  very  catastrophe  which  Ken- 
neth had  endeavored  to  avoid. 

Scipio  started,  and  gazed  around  with  wild  amaze- 
ment. So  bewildered  was  he  that  he  knew  not  what 
to  do,  and  his  first  impulse  was  to  jump  out  of  the 
window. 

"  De  high  golly  1"  he  cried.  "  Ef  dis  yere  ain't 
'funnelly  unfortenit.  What'll  Marster  Egaton  say, 
now  ?     An'  what'll  we  do  yere  ?" 

Viola  had  already  began  to  display  some  signs  of 
reviving  ;  and  at  the  same  moment  the  clatter  of 
footsteps  was  heard  upon  the  stairs,  though  as  yet 
some  distance  off. 

In  perfect  desperation,  Scipio  started  forward,  and 
raising  Viola  from  the  floor,  he  placed  her  upright 
on  a  chair  ;  then  shaking  the  young  girl  violently, 
he  whispered  quickly — 

''  For  de  lub  o'  Hebben,  Missus,  try  to  'fleet.  Dar's 
sumbody '  cummin  up  stars.  Make  sum  'scuse  to 
'ceive  dem !" 

Then  leaving  the  young  girl — who  was  fast  return- 
ing to  a  consciousness  of  her  position — with  light- 
ning speed  he  dashed  the  knotted  clothing  under  the 
bed,  and  panting  from  the  excitement,  and  the  ve- 
locity of  his  motions,  rolled  himself  after  them,  the 


222  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 

valance  effectually  concealing  him  from  view.  He 
had  barely  accomplished  this  when  the  door  of  the 
apartment  opened,  and  into  the  room  hurried  Marco, 
and  the  woman  Elise,  wonder  and  astonishment  de- 
picted upon  their  faces. 

"  Was  it  not  you,  Miss  Yiola,  who  screamed  so 
dreadfully?"  inquired  Elise,  in  hurried  tones. 

"  It  was,"  responded  the  young  girl,  who  had  now 
summoned  all  her  faculties  to  her  assistance,  and  was 
revolving  in  her  mind  some  suitable  excuse. 

"  Why,  what  caused  you  to  do  so  ?  Did  anything 
frighten  you  ?" 

"  The  window,  too,  is  open,  and  the  storm  beating 
in  hard,"  said  Marco  to  Elise  ;  and  at  the  same  time 
he  turned  to  the  window,  and  lowered  the  sash. 
"  May  I  ask.  Miss  Viola,"  he  continued,  turning  to 
the  young  girl,  "  why  you  should  have  your  window 
open  on  such  a  night  as  this  ?" 

Viola's  heart  beat  fast  and  furious,  but  still  she 
managed  to  answer  calmly — 

"  I  was  terribly  frightened.  I  felt  sick,  and  thought 
I  would  open  the  window  to  get  a  little  air  ;  and 
while  I  was  in  the  act,  a  flash  of  lightning  suddenly 
shot  athwart  the  sky,  and  totally  I  linded  me.  It  was 
so  sudden  and  powerful  as  to  make  me  scream  out. 
But  I  am  over  it  now."  And  then  in  her  own  mind 
'she  said — **  God  forgive  the  falsehood  !" 

And  with  her,  we  too  may  hope  that  He  pardoned 


Tlie  Triwmp^v  of  Love  and  Faith.  223 


the  utterance  of  that  which  probably  could  only  save 
her  life,  or  preserve  her  from  a  fate  worse  even  than 
death. 

"  0,  that  was  all,  was  it?"  muttered  Marco,  all  his 
suspicions  allayed  by  Viola's  apparently  ingenuous 
manner.  "  Better  not  go  to  the  window  again.  Come, 
Elise,"  he  continued,  addressing  the  woman,  and  turn- 
ing towards  the  door. 

"  Do  you  wish  any  help  ?  or  would  you  like  me  to 
stay  with  you?''  inquired  Elise  of  Yiola. 

''  Thank  you,  nothing.  It  is  all  over  now,  and  I 
would  prefer  being  alone,"  responded  the  young  girl, 
anxious  to  get  rid  of  the  woman",  and  yet  afraid  to 
betray  too  great  a  desire  for  fear  of  arousing  suspi- 
cion. "  It  was  only  a  momentary  fright,  which  has 
passed  off  as  quickly  as  it  took  possession  of  me." 

"  Well,  just  as  you  say,"  rejoined  the  woman. 

Marco  and  Elise  then  quitted  the  apartment ;  and 
Viola  threw  herself  forward  and  listened  to  hear 
whether  they  locked  the  door,  which  she  now  hoped 
they  would.  Slowly  but  surely  the  key  turned,  and 
at  the  sound  the  young  girl's  heart  beat  easier. 
Then  she  heard  the  pit-a-pat  of  their  feet  as  they 
descended  the  softly  carpeted  stairs. 

It  may  be  well  to  remark  here  that  under  other 
circumstances  Viola's  scream  would  have  passed  by 
unheeded — that  is,  by  the  domestics.  But  as  her 
uncle  was  absent  they  were  at  a  loss  to  account  for 


224  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

the  outburst,  and  hence  felt  it  their  duty  to  inquire 
into  the  matter.     The  result  we  have  seen. 

Meanwhile  Kenneth  was  in  a  state  of  horrible 
alarm  and  anxiety.  Looking  anxiously  for  the  descent 
of  Viola,  the  sudden  scream  struck  upon  his  ear  like 
a  death  knell. 

"  Gracious  Heaven,  what  is  that?"  he  exclaimed,  in 
the  most  alarming  tones.  "  0,  what  can  have  hap- 
pened ?     What  shall  I  do  ?" 

For  a  moment  he  stood  motionless,  as  if  bereft  of 
every  faculty.  Then  he  turned  his  face  up  to  the 
window,  and  called  quickly  on  Scipio — but  there  was 
no  response.  Then  the  bustle  which  had  followed 
the  scream — and  which  had  reached  his  ears — ceased, 
and  all  was  quiet.  After  waiting  a  few  seconds,  he 
retraced  his  steps  quickly,  and  cautiously,  to  his 
hiding  place  among  the  trees. 

"  I  had  better  be  calm  and  wait  a  little,'^  he  said, 
mentally.  *'  Things  may  yet  come  off  better  than  I 
suppose.  The  storm,  and  many  other  circumstances 
combined,  may  even  yet  mislead  the  people  about  the 
house.  In  fact,  the  rushing  of  the  wind  and  rain  may 
even  entirely  drown  the  scream.  I  must  not  be  pre- 
cipitate, hard  as  it  is  to  remain  quiet  under'^such  an 
uncertainty.  But  of  one  thing  I  am  determined" — 
and  he  set  his  teeth,  and  clenched  his  hands  ; — "  I 
will  not  leave  here  without  Viola,  if  I  have  to  beard 
them  all." 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  225 

With  his  eyes  fixed  intently  on  the  window  of 
Viola's  room  we  will  leave  Kenneth,  and  return  to  the 
3'oung  girFs  apartment. 

As  soon  as  Marco  and  Elise  had  vanished,  Scipio 
thrust  out  his  great  woolly  head  from  beneath  the  bed, 
his  eyes  sparkling  with  satisfaction. 

*^  Am  dey  clar  gone.  Missus  ?"  he  inquired,  in  a 
whisper. 

"  0,  yes,"  responded  Viola,  now  again  breathless 
with  anxiety.     "  They  are  out  of  hearing.'' 

"  Berry  fortenit  dat  dey  didn't  'spec  noting,"  he 
continued,  crawling  out.  "  You  dun  most  spile 
ebbery  ting,  Missus.  De  high  golly,  but  we  was  a 
most  in  a  fix.  I  fought  dis  niggar's  time  had  cum,  shu. 
You  dun  gib  a  purty  good  'sense,  howsomdever. 
Dat's  so !" 

"  0,  yes  ;  but  come,  let  us  be  quick  now,"  rejoined 
Viola,  eagerly.  "  My  uncle  may  return,  or  the  people 
about  the  house  grow  suspicious,  and  watch.  You 
cannot  imagine  what  bad  creatures  they  are — I  never 
did  till  lately — and  from  what  a  terrible  fate  you  are 
helping  me  to  escape.  Come,  let  us  away,  while  yet 
there  may  be  a  chance." 

"Dey's  not  berry  highly  spoken  ub,  I  'lieve," 
returned  Scipio,  very  seriously.  "  I'se  heerd  Marster 
Egaton  spoke  o'  dem.  Missus." 

''  Dear  Kenneth !"  murmured  the  young  girl,  clasp- 

10* 


226  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

ing  her  hands  together  with  sudden  joy.  "  Come, 
come,  let  us  go !" 

"  Ef  you  hadn^t  hollered  so,  Missus,  we^d  a  bin  away 
afore  dis  yere  time.  ^Spec  Marster  Egaton  gib  me 
Jessie  for  tellin'  you.'' 

"  0,  I  could  not  help  it,"  returned  Viola,  earnestly. 
"  The  joyful  news  was  too  much  for  my  poor  weak 
brain.     But,  0,  come,  don't  let  us  delay  now !" 

"  Well,  we  won't.  Missus.  But  jest  you  stay  dar, 
an'  keep  berry  quiet,  while  I  'connoiter.  Fust  I'll 
put  out  dis  yere  light,  fo'  fea'  dat  sumbody  might  be 
out  dar," — and  he  pointed  through  the  window — 
"  dat  it  wouldn't  be  agee'able  to  scrape  eny  'quain- 
tance  wid  jest  now.  We  can  see  jest  as  well  in  de 
dark,  doe  sum  folks  mightn't  tink  so.     Dat's  so  !" 

Viola  made  no  objection  ;  and,  after  extinguishing 
the  light,  Scipio  cautiously  approached  the  window, 
raised  the  sash,  and  looked  down.  Nothing  was  to 
be  seen  or  heard,  but  the  rainy  mist,  and  the  rushing 
of  water.  As  the  negro  put  forth  his  head  a  heavy 
clap  of  thunder  reverberated  far  and  near,  seeming 
to  shake  the  very  foundations  of  the  earth,  and  a 
vivid  flash  of  lightning  rendered  everything  visible. 
Kenneth — who  had  never  removed  his  eyes  from  the 
window — instantly  caught  sight  of  the  black,  and 
started  towards  the  house.  Scipio  heard  the  foot- 
steps, and  very  correctly  judging  it  to  te  his  master, 
exclaimed — 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  227 

^'  Hist  !^' 

"  Hist  !'^  responded  Kenneth. 

"  Am  dat  you,  Marster  Egaton  ?"  Scipio  inquired, 
in  a  low  whisper. 

"  Yes.     But  have  you  been  discovered  V^ 

''  Not  'xactly,  Marster  Egaton  ;  but  a  berry  close 
shabe.     Shall  I  lower  de  lady  ?'' 

''  Yes  ;  and  be  quick.     It  is  getting  very  late." 

A  few  seconds  passed,  and  then  Viola,  carefully 
wrapped  up,  was  lowered  into  Kenneth's  arms. 

"  Dear,  dear  Kenneth,"  murmured  the  young  girl, 
clasping  him  tightly  around  the  neck,  and  with  the 
sudden  rush  of  joy,  swooning. 

*'  Dear  Viola  !"  responded  the  manly  youth,  as  he 
pressed  her  to  his  bosom,  and  hurried  across  the 
clearing  towards  the  hill. 

Scipio  was  not  slow  in  following  his  master's  foot- 
steps. Half  way  down  the  descent  he  caught  up 
with  Kenneth,  whose  progress — in  consequence  of 
his  burden,  and  the  care  that  was  absolutely  neces- 
sary to  descend  the  hill — was  slow. 

'^  Did  you  hear  any  alarm,  Scipio  ?"  inquired  Ken- 
neth. 

"  Not  a  speck,  Marster  Egaton." 

''  That  is  well,  now  hasten  on  and  prepare  the 
boat.  We  are  not  entirely  out  of  danger,  for  we  may 
yet  be  missed,  discovered,  and  pursued." 

By  the  time  Kenneth  reached  the  beach,  the  negro 


228  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

had  the  boat  all  in  readiness.  After  carefully  pla- 
cing Viola  in  the  bow,  the  two  took  their  seats,  and 
the  boat  was  pushed  oflF.  By  this  time  the  storm  had 
begun  to  ease  up  a  trifle,  but  the  waters  of  the  river 
were  exceedingly  swollen  and  turbulent ;  and  the 
sullen  roar  of  the  dam,  which  was  not  over  a  mile 
below  that  spot,  sounded  like  the  rumbling  of  dis- 
tant thunder.     And  still  Yiola  remained  unconscious. 

"  The  river  is  very  much  swollen, '^  said  Kenneth, 
as  they  pushed  from  the  beach  ;  "  and  the  current 
sets  towards  the  dam  wildly.  We  will  make  right 
across  the  stream,  Scipio,  for  even  then  we  shall  not, 
probably,  touch  the  shore  for  a  half  a  mile  below  this 
point  ;  and  that  will  bring  us  quite  near  enough  to 
the  dam,  in  its  present  condition,  for  our  safety. 
Now  pull  away  strongly. ^^ 

At  that  moment  the  bells  of  the  distant  city  pealed 
forth  the  hour  of  eleven. 

*'  Eleben  o'clock,'^  said  Scipio,  as  he  bent  to  the 
oar. 

"  It  is  so,"  rejoined  Kenneth.  "  Viola's  uncle  must 
surely  have  got  back,  or  nearly  so.  Would  we  were 
on  the  other  side.     Pull  away,  Scipio." 

Despite  the  strong  strokes  of  Kenneth  and  the 
negro,  the  boat  went  down  with  the  tide,  much  faster 
than  it  made  across  the  stream.  In  consequence  of 
the  darkness,  and  the  falling  rain,  and  the  mist  aris- 
ing from  the  river,  it  was  almost  impossible  to  dis- 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  229 

cern  objects  more  than  a  few  feet  distant.  And 
every  moment  the  roaring  of  the  dam  grew  louder 
and  more  distinct. 

''  Hark !''  cried  Kenneth,  suddenly.  ''  Wasn't  that 
the  dipping  of  oars  ?" 

"  Fo'  shu',  Marster,"  rejoined  Scipio  ;  and  both 
held  up  their  oars  while  they  listened.  "  Berry 
close,  too." 

"  The  sound  comes  from  the  east,''  continued  Ken- 
neth. "  It  cannot,  therefore,  be  any  one  in  pursuit  of 
us." 

Almost  as  he  uttered  these  words,  another  row- 
boat,  evidently  making  for  the  west  side  of  the 
stream,  shot  close  alongside  of  them  ;  the  bow  of  the 
one  falling  to  the  stern  of  the  other,  in  which  posi- 
tion both  remained  fixed  ;  and,  being  entirely  at  the 
mercy  of  the  tide,  floated  rapidly  down  the  river. 


230  Viola  Hastings;  or. 


CHAPTER   XXXI. 

THE  JESUIT,  FERDINAND  AND  FATHER  RENOUF  ON  THEIR  WAY  TO 
THE  CITY. — THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  TRICK. —  THE  RETURN  TO  THE 
OLD  MANSION  HOUSE. — CROSSING  THE  SCHUYLKILL. — COLLISION 
BETWEEN  THE  BOATS. 

Now  let  us  go  back  a  little. 

The  distance  from  the  old  mansion  house  to  the 
first  bridge  that  crossed  the  river  Schuylkill — an 
enclosed  wooden  structure  which  was  afterwards 
destroyed  by  fire,  and  replaced  by  an  elegant  and 
substantial  open  wire  bridge — was,  by  a  direct  line, 
about  a  mile  ;  but  by  the  usual  sinuous  path  it  was 
full  half  as  much  again  ;  consequently  Torillo  and  the 
others  were  some  time  in  reachin"g  even  that  point, 
their  progress  being  also  much  impeded  by  the  dark- 
ness of  the  night,  and  the  bad  condition  of  the  road. 
Before  they  reached  the  bridge  the  rain  had  begun 
to  pour  down,  and  many  and  various  were  the  impre- 
cations which  they  unsparingly  bestowed  upon  the 
weather  and  the  road. 

When  at  length  they  found  themselves  beneath  the 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Fcith.  231 

roof  of  the  bridge,  they  stopped  and  shook  the  water 
from  their  clothing.  By  that  time  they  were  neither 
^f  them  in  a  very  enviable  condition  of  mind. 

^'  Hadn^t  we  better  turn  back  V^  inquired  the  priest, 
addressing  Torillo.  "  This  is  an  unusually  heavy 
storm  ;  and,  no  doubt,  it  will  continue  for  some  time. 
We  are  already  drenched  through.  If  you  don^t  go 
to-night,  the  writer  of  that  note,  if  he  is  really  in 
earnest,  will,  doubtless,  seek  some  other  occasion,  or 
some  other  way,  to  communicate  his  business." 

"  Now,  by  the  Virgin,  priest,  the  storm  but  quick- 
ens my  determination !"  exclaimed  Torillo,  stub- 
bornly. 

"  But  may  we  not  be  neglecting  more  important 
matters  in  following  this  chase  ?"  asked  Ferdinand, 
with  every  show  of  respect ;  for,  while  he  was  anxious 
to  turn  back,  he  yet  feared,  at  that  time,  to  cross 
any  of  his  father's  whims. 

"Have  I  not  waited  long  years?"  responded 
Torillo,  savagely.  "  Ther  can  I  not  wait  a  few  hours 
longer,  if  need  be  ?" 

''  But  is  it  not  imprudent  to  leave  home  under  such 
circumstances  ?"  continued  the  priest ;  his  opposition 
arising  as  much  from  his  dislike  for  the  trouble,  as 
any  hope  of  gain.  "  You  know  not  what  might  occur 
during  your  absence." 

Still  Torillo  persevered — inexorable  destiny  relemt- 
lessly  driving  him  onward.  '  And  that  the  opposition 


232  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 

Avhich  his  son  and  the  priest  manifested  but  set  his 
purpose  more  unwaveringly  there  is  no  doubt. 

"  Peace,  with  all  this  croaking  !"  he  cried,  in  reply 
to  the  priest.  ''  Everything  is  safe  at  the  house,  and 
will  keep  so  until  we  return.  Why,  what  fools  you 
are  to  be  surniising  so  much  danger  1  Where  can  it 
come  from  ?  But  enough  of  this  I  If  you  go  with 
me,  come  on  ! — if  you  do  not,  go  back !  I  care  but 
little  !^' 

Again  Torillo  started  quickly  forward,  and  in  a  few 
moments  the  outline  of  his  form  was  lost  in  the  dark- 
ness of  the  bridge. 

"  Curse  it  !^^  muttered  Ferdinand.  "  I  suppose  we 
must  follow  him !'' 

"  Better  !"  responded  the  priest ;  and  the  two  then 
started  forward. 

At  the  east  end  of  the  bridge  Torillo  hailed  a  hack 
that  happened  to  be  standing  there  ;  and,  after  giving 

the  driver  directions  to  convey  him  to Hotel, 

jumped  in.  The  next  moment  Ferdinand  and  the 
priest  came  up,  and,^  without  uttering  a  word,  also 
leaped  into  the  vehicle. 

"  Drive  on,  there  1"  shouted  Torillo  ;  and  the  next 
moment  the  hack  was  in  motion. 

From  the  bridge  to Hotel — which  was  in  the 

very  heart  of  the  city — was  near  about  two  miles  ; 
and  owing  to  the  rain,  which  now  beat  down  furiously, 
the  driver — whose  horses,  as  is  generally  the  case, 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  233 

were  miserable,  worn-out  animals — made  but  slow 
progress.  He  cursed,  and  cracked  his  whip  to  no 
effect,  for  the  poor  brutes  were  doing  their  best.  In 
time,  however,  they  reached  the  hotel,  and  the  three 
men  alighted.  Torillo  led  the  way  up  the  marble 
steps,  and  into  the  building.  Hailing  a  white  jack- 
etted  domestic,  he  demanded  to  be  shown  to  Mr. 
Albert  Summerfield's  room,  for,  strange  as  it  may 
seem,  considering  the  character  of  the  man,  and  his 
familiarity  with  tricks  and  schemes,  he  did  not  believe 
the  letter  to  be  a  cheat ;  or  rather  was  blind  to  its 
true  design. 

''  Who,  sir  ?"  queried  the  man  addressed. 

"  Mr.  Albert  Summerfield,"  Torillo  repeated,  impa- 
tiently. 

"  Don't  know  him,  sir.  Better  inquire  at  the  desk," 
continued  the  man,  pointing  to  the  corner  occupied 
by  the  book-keeper,  and  then  turning  away. 

Torillo  strode  across  the  room  to  the  place  desig- 
nated. 

*'  I  am  inquiring  for  Mr.  Albert  Summerfield,''  he 
said. 

The  book-keeper  ran  his  eye  over  the  volume  con- 
taining the  list  of  arrivals,  and  then  said — 

"  There  is  no  such  person  staying  here,  sir." 

"  Why,  sir,  I  have  an  appointment  to  call  upon 
him  at  this  hotel  1"  continued  Torillo,  holding  forth 
the  letter,  and  pointing  to  it ;  loth  to  believe  that  ho 


234  ^^iola  Hastings;  or, 

had  been  misled,  though  the  truth  was  beginning  to 
dawn  on  his  mind. 

"  Well,  sir,  there  is  the  book,  and  you  may  see  for 
yourself  that  there  is  no  such  name  registered  in  it." 

The  man  turned  away  to  attend  to  another  person 
who  had  come  up  in  the,  mean  time  ;  and  Torillo 
bent  over  the  book,  and  began  to  peruse  the  list  of 
arrivals. 

Ferdinand  and  the  priest  had  dropped  into  seats 
some  little  distance  off ;  and  the  former  now  whisper- 
ed to  the  latter — 

"  Did  your  reverence  hear  that  ?" 

"  I  did,"  rejoined  the  priest,  with  a  meaning  shake 
of  the  head. 

^'  There's  no  such  person  staying  here,  it  seems.'' 

"  After  all  the  letter  turns  out  to  be  a  decoy.  Just 
as  I  thought,  however,  though  what  prompted  the 
feeling,  I  can't  say.  But  who,  think  you,  can  be  the 
writer  ?  arid  what  can  be  his  design  ?" 

"  I  cannot  imagine,"  responded  Ferdinand.  "  But 
I  fear  that  it  is  in  some  way  connected  with  Yiola. 
Let  us  speak  to  the  old  man,  and  urge  our  return  to 
the  house,  at  once." 

Before  the  sound  of  Ferdinand's  voice  had  died 
away,  Torillo  uttered  a  loud,  sharp  cry — to  the  as- 
tonishment of  all  present — and  wildly  rushed  from 
the  room.  Ferdinand  and  the  priest  exchanged  a 
wondering  glance,  and  quickly  followed  after  him. 


The  Triumph  y  Love  and  Faith.  235 

The  cause  of  Torillo's  alarm  may  be  speedily  ex- 
plained. •  In  conning  over  the  list  of  arrivals  he  had 
at  length  come  to  the  following  : — 

Lieut.  Kenneth  Egerton,  U.  S.  Navy. 

"  Ho,  driver  I"  he  shouted,  as  he  emerged  into  the 
air,  to  the  hackman  who  was  still  standing  in  front 
of  the  hotel. 

''  On  hand,  yer  honor  I"  responded  the  man,  as  he 
dashed  down  the  steps  of  his  vehicle. 

"  Back  again  to  where  you  took  us  up  I  and,  fast ! 
fast  I  fast !"  Torillo  ejaculated  vehemently,  at  the 
some  moment  leaping  into  the  hack. 

Almost  at  the  same  time,  Ferdinand  and  the  priest 
came  running  down  the  steps. 

"  In  !  in  !  in  !"  cried  Torillo,  in  a  hoarse  whisper. 
"  The  fiend  is  abroad,  and  there's  danger  afoot  1" 

Astonished  and  puzzled,  Ferdinand  and  the  priest 
instantly  complied. 

Directly  the  vehicle  was  rattling  along  in  a  north- 
westerly direction. 

Before  either  Ferdinand  or  the  priest  could  utter 
a  word  of  inquiry,  Torillo  hissed  out — 

^'  Can  the  grave  give  back  its  dead  ?" 

"  What  do  you  mean,  father,  by  such  a  question  ?" 
demanded  Ferdinand,  ill-naturedly.  "  And  what's 
the  matter  with  you,  that  you  act  in  such  a  maniacal 
manner  ?" 


236  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 

• « . 

*'  Can  the  grave  give  back  its  dead,  I  ask  ?"  Torillo 
repeated,  intensely. 

"  No  I"  uttered  both  Ferdinand  and  the  priest,  in 
the  same  breath. 

''  A  lie  !"  shouted  Torillo,  his  countenance  working 
with  the  most  dreadful  emotion.  "  A  lie  !  a  lie  1 — 
for  Jie  has  come  back  to  blast  me — he  has  cast  off  the 
sod,  and  arisen  from  the  grave.  Already  I  feel  his 
iron  hands  about  my  throat — already  I  hear  his  voice 
yelling  in  my  ear,  *  Retribution  !  Eetribution  I'  " 

There  was  a  moment's  pause,  during  w^hich  Torillo 
writhed  and  twisted  like  one  possessed.  Then  his 
disordered  brain  conjured  up  another  source  of  fear, 
and  he  continued — 

"  Will  she,  too,  come  back,  to  bear  witness  against 
me  ?  Holy  Mother,  another  voice  cries  in  my  ear, 
*  Retribution !  Retribution  !'  It  is  her's  1  it  is  my 
wife's  I  And  here  are  more  !  more  !  more  !  glaring 
on  me  with  their  livid  faces  !" 

''  What,  in  the  Virgin's  name,  ails  you  ?"  cried  Fer- 
dinand, seizing  his  father  by  the  arm,  and  shaking 
him  roughly.  "  You  talk  like  either  a  fool  or  a  mad- 
man !" 

"  Off,  boy,  off! — there  are  hands  enough  already 
upon  me  !"  and  Torillo  shook  himself  loose  from  the 
grasp  of  his  son.  "  Look  you,  Ferdinand  !"  he  con- 
tinued, wildly; — "I  sav  ^l.e  grave  gives  back  its 
dead  :     and    Marie     Sem-^Ier    will     yet    come    and 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  237 


shout  in  your  ear,  "  Retribution  I  Retribution  V  The 
grave  don^t  hold  people  any  more,  I  say,  for  he  has 
come  back  ; — and  so  will  she^  and  murdered  Marie  !" 

"•  Peace,  peace,  you  old  fool  !^'  shouted  Ferdinand, 
beside  himself  with  the  fearful  thoughts  which  his 
father's  words  had  conjured  up.  "  Let  the  past 
rest  undisturbed,  or,  by  the  Holy  Virgin,  Fll  send 
you  to  keep  Marie  company  I^'  and  with  the  grip  of  a 
desperate  man,  he  clutched  his  father  by  the  throat. 
Torillo,  too,  with  all  the  fury  of  a  madman,  seized  his 
son  by  the  throat  ;  and  there  was  every  prospect  of 
a  bloody  and  murderous  scene.  The  terrible,  un- 
compromising fiend.  Remorse,  was  busy  with  the 
heart-strings  of  both. 

"  Are  you  both  mad  V^  cried  the  priest,  suddenly  ; 
by  a  desperate  efi'ort  separating  the  half  crazy,  blood- 
thirsty men.  *'  By  the  mass,  if  there  is  danger,  this 
is  no  way  to  meet  it !  Have  you  lost  your  wits,  both 
of  you?" 

There  was  a  momentary  lull  in  the  storm  of  raging 
passions  ;  and  then  the  pr'est,  fixing  his  gaze  upon 
Torillo,  demanded,  quickly  and  anxiously, — 

"  What  is  this  that  you  are  raving  about  ?  Who 
has  come  back  ?" 

"  The  accursed  heretic — Viola's  lover !''  responded 
Torillo,  yelling  the  words  out  in  the  most  frantical 
manner. 

*'  How  do  you  know  this^  Pedro  ?    Was  his  name 


238  Viola  Hastings;  or^ 

among  the  list  of  arrivals  ?"  continued  the  priest,  the 
only  cool-headed  one  among  the  party. 

"  It  was  !"  rejoined  Torillo,  clutching  the  priest  by 
the  arm,  and  still  speaking  wildly.  "  I  saw  it  with 
my  own  eyes  ;  and  yet  I  could  have  sworn  that  I 
stabbed  him  to  the  heart — that  I  saw  him  die.  Even 
now  I  can  see  his  ghastly  face — can  hear  his  voice  as 
he  cried,  ^  I  am  murcJered !  I  am  murdered  I'  " 

''  Is  it  so  ?  Then  there  is  trouble  brewing  1"  said 
the  priest,  speaking  quickly,  but  coolly.  "  If  that 
man  lives,  it  is  but  reasonable  to  suppose  that  he  will 
soon  denounce  you,  if  he  has  got,  or  can  get,  any  clue 
to  your  identity.  But  this  is  no  way  to'meet  danger ! 
Have  you  forgotten  yourself?  Shall  a  good  and^ 
faithful  servant  of  the  Holy  Church  like  you,  fear 
one  heretic,  or  even  a  thousand  of  them,  when  so 
many  ways  are  open  to  circumvent  them  ?  Are  not 
we  powerful  ?  And  cannot  we  save  as  well  as  pun- 
ish ?  Away  with  these  idle  fantasies  and  be  your- 
self!    All  is  not  yet  lost !'' 

The  appeal  of  the  confident  priest  had  its  desired 
effect  upon  Torillo,  whose  livid  face  began  gradually 
to  assume  its  usual  expression. 

During  this  time  Ferdinand  had  remained  buried 
in  the  corner,  gloomy  and  sullen.  The  priest,  after 
a  moment's  pause,  turned  from  Torillo  to  him,  and 
said, — • 

"  And  you,  too,  Ferdinand,  for  shame  1     By  the  Im- 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith,  239 


maculate  Virgin  I  will  you  also  let  the  phantoms  of 
an  idle  fear  paralyze  your  eiBforts,  when  union  and 
strength  may  be  most  needed  to  retain  a  rich  prize, 
and  save  yourselves  from  the  iron  grip  of  the  law  ? 
It  is  well  I  did  come  along,  or,  like  madmen,  you 
would  have  run  your  necks  into  the  hangman's  noose, 
or  cut  your  own  throats.  I  never  before  knew  either 
of  you  to  act  so  much  like  fools  1'' 

Torillo  and  Ferdinand  had  gradually  cooled  down, 
and  now  were  more  like  themselves. 

"  But  what  means  your  reverence  ?"  they  demand- 
ed, eagerly,  and  in  the  same  breath. 

"  Mean !"  responded  the  priest,  with  every  show 
of  astonishment ;  "  mean  !  What  a  question  1  Have 
your  wits  indeed  flown  ?  Has  it  not  struck  either 
of  you  that  this  has  been  but  a  plot  to  draw  you  away 
from  the  house,  while  some  attempt  was  made  to 
rescue  Viola  ?  Have  you,  Ferdinand,  forgotten  en- 
tirely the  fear  you  expressed  while  in  the  hotel  ?  ' 

"  I  begin  to  see  now !"  muttered  Ferdinand,  work- 
ing his  fingers  with  excitement.  "  Other  thoughts, 
for  a  time,  drove  it  out  of  my  mind.  Curse  upon 
the  chance  that  took  us  all  away  from  the  house  ! ' 

"  It's  all  plain  1"  joined  in  Torillo,  bitterly.  "  Fool 
^that  I  was  to  fall  so  easily  in  the  trap  !  Never  be- 
fore was  I  so  duped  I  But  we  must  redeem  the  past. 
All  may  not  yet  be  lost.  The  house  is  well  watched, 
and  we  may  yet  be  in  time  to  prevent  Viola's  escape. 


240  Viola  Hastings  ;  or. 

If  so,  we  will  silence  her  tongue  at  once — without 
a  moment's  delay — and  then  look  to  the  money  and 
our  own  safety." 

"  But  should  Viola  escape  from  the  house,"  re- 
sponded Ferdinand,  "  we  shall  not  only  lose  a  rich 
prize,  but,  by  the  Virgin  Mother  1  we  shall  stai^d  in 
the  greatest  personal  danger.  She  knows  that  now 
which  we  were  fools  to  let  her  jever  get  acquainted 
with.     What  a  witness  she  would  be  against  us  !" 

"  0,  if  I  but  had  her  here  !^'  muttered  Torillo, 
fiendishly  ;  ^'  if  I  but  had  her  here^^ — and  his  fingers 
worked  with  the  dark  thought — "  I^d  quickly  put  her 
beyond  the  chance  of  doing  anybody  harm.'' 

"  Whatever  may  be  the  position  of  matters  at  the 
house,"  remarked  the  priest,  "  it  won't  do  for  this 
part  of  the  world  to  know  you  much  longer.  If 
Viola  has  escaped,  she  will,  no  doubt,  after  what  has 
passed,  inform  upon  you  ;  if,  on  the  contrary,  she 
has  not  escaped,  there  is  *yet,  unfortunately  for  you, 
that  young  sailor  to  fear.  Both  ways  there  is  trouble 
ahead.     You  must  leave  here  for  awhile,  at  least." 

At  that  moment  the  vehicle  stopped,  and  the  next 
the  driver  opened  the  door,  and  inquired  which  road 
he  should  take. 

"  Where  are  we  ?"  demanded  Torillo. 

"  At  the  bridge,  ye'r  honor  !" 

"  Then  drive  over  and  follow  the  road  until  we 


The  Triumph  of  La.^  and  Faith.  241 

give  you  further  directions.  And,  mark  you,  drive 
fast !  fast  I    You  shall  be  well  paid." 

"  All  right,  yeV  honor,"  said  the  man,  as  he  quick- 
ly proceeded  to  close  the  door. 

"  Stop  !"  cried  Ferdinand,  suddenly,  to  the  driver  ; 
and  the  man  paused,  with  the  door  nearly  shut. 
Then  turning  to  his  father,  he  continued, — "  By  the 
road  we  shall  only  lose  time.  I  wonder  that  you 
thought  not  of  it !" 

"  Which  way  shall  we  take,  then  ?"  demanded  To- 
rillo,  impatiently. 

"  It  will  be  a  much  quicker  way  to  cross  the  river 
from  a  point  opposite  the  house.  I  know  where  a 
boat  may  easily  be  found." 

"  Any  way,  though  it  be  through  purgatory,  so  we 
reach  there  quickly !" 

"  But  the  river  must  be  much  swollen  by  this 
heavy  rain  ;  and  the  current  is,  doubtless,  running 
down  strongly.  It  will  be  a  dangerous  experiment, 
I  forewarn  you.  Hark !  how  the  water  roars  over 
the  dam,"  remarked  the  less  reckless  priest. 

"  Neither  the  river  nor  the  dam  has  any  terror  for 
me !"  cried  Torillo.  "  The  risk  of  encountering  them 
is  nothing  to  the  chance  of  catching  Viola.  I  would 
face  the  devil  himself  ere  I'd  lose  her !" 

"  As  you  will,"  rejoined  the  priest,  half  angrily. 
'*  Listen  to  no  advice,  but  follow  your  own  headstrong 

11 


242  Viola  Hastings  ;  or^ 


way.  I  shall,  however,  take  the  usual  road.  .No 
doubt  I  shall  reach  the  house  as  soon  as  you  do." 

*'A  good  suggestion,  your  reverence,"  remarked 
Ferdinand,  who  was  now  much  cooler  than  might 
have  been  expected.  "  By  taking  the  highway  to 
the  house,  you  may  probably  render  us  some  assist- 
ance. We  none  of  us  know  what  has  happened  ;  and 
should  a  rescue  have  been  accomplished,  you  might 
meet  the  runaways  on  the  road,  and  so  put  us  on  the 
scent.  Away  now,  and  look  sharp  1''  Then  turning 
to  the  driver,  who  stood  with  eyes  and  mouth  agape, 
wondering  what  it  all  meant,  he  added, — "  And  now, 
driver,  take  the  road,  and  keep  up  along  the  shore 
until  we  tell  you  to  stop  ;  and  drive  just  as  fast  as 
you  can." 

The  priest  had  now  alighted ;  and  as  Ferdinand 
ceased  speaking,  the  driver  closed  the  door,  remount- 
ed his  box,  and  drove  off. 

And  still  the  rain  continued  pouring  down,  and 
the  river  roared ;  and  occasionally  the  booming 
thunder  reverberated  far  and  near ;  and  the  vivid 
lightning  lit  up  all  the  surrounding  scene. 

As  the  carriage  drove  rapidly  away,  the  priest 
turned  into  the  bridge,  cursing  at  the  madness  of  the 
others  in  attempting  to  cross  the  swollen  and  turbu- 
lent river. 

At  a  point  nearly  opposite  the  old  mansion  house, 
Ferdinand,  who  was  on  the  qui  vive^  stopped  the 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith,  243 

carriage  and  alighted,  followed  quickly  by  his  father. 
The  hackman  was  then  paid  and  discharged  ;  and, 
as  the  man  turned  off  and  retraced  the  path  he  had 
come,  Ferdinand  and  Torillo — the  former  leading — 
started  swiftly  down  toward  the  beach, 

A  boat  was  soon  found  ;  and,  amid  the  pelting 
rain,  the  two  men  pushed  off  into  the  rushing  stream, 
which,  as  with  Kenneth  and  Scipio,  carried  them 
down  much  faster  than  they  made  across. 

Just  as  they  pushed  out  the  clock  of  the  city 
struck  eleven. 

^^  Eleven  o'clock,"  muttered  Torillo,  bending  to  the 
oars.     "  The  hour  is  getting  late." 

"  The  more  reason  to  pull  hard,"  responded  Ferdi- 
nand. "  At  the  best,  we  shall  make  but  slow  work 
against  this  tide.  Pull  hard,  now,  father,  or,  by  th^ 
Virgin!  it  will  be  difficult  to  tell  where  w^e  shall 
land.'* 

Some  time  now  passed  in  silence,  or  was  broken 
only  by  muttered  curses  ;  when  at  length  Torillo — 
whose  quick  ear  had  caught  the  sound  of  an  ap- 
proaching boat — exclaimed  suddenly, — 

"  There  is  a  boat  drawing  near  us  !  Hold  up  your 
oars  and  listen !" 

Another  brief  period  of  silence  ensued. 

"  There  is  that !"  responded  Ferdinand,  whose  ear 
had  now  also  caught  the  dipping  of  oars.     "  It  is 


244  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

coining  from  the  other  side.  It  nears  us  fast,  too. 
Who  can  it  be  ?" 

The  next  moment  the  two  boats  ran  together,  side 
to  side,  as  we  have  already  described. 

Both  boats  being  now  at  the  mercy  of  the  tide, 
they  immediately  swung  round,  by  the  movement 
bringing  the  bow  of  the  boat  just  referred  to  up 
etream,  and  the  bow  of  the  other  down. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  245 


CHAPTER   XXXII. 

THE  RENCOUNTER  ON  THE  SCHUYLKILL. — THE  STRUGGLE. — GOING 
OVER  THE  DAM. — DEATH  OF  THE  JESUIT  AND  FERDINAND. — 
ESCAPE    OF    VIOLA.  KENNETH   AND    SCIPIO. 

As  the  boats  swung  round — which  was  almost  at 
the  same  moment  that  they  scraped  together — a 
bright  flash  of  lightning  illuminated  the  whole  scene, 
reveding  their  position  to  each  of  the  parties. 

During  that  instant  the  four  men  had  caught  a 
quick  glimpse  of  each  other. 

"  'Tis  he  I''  yelled  Torillo,  dropping  his  oars,  and 
springing  to  his  feet. 

"  Who  ?"  shouted  back  Ferdinand,  also  springing 
up. 

"  Yiola's  lover  I"  screamed  Torillo,  with  all  the 
wildness  of  a  maniac. 

"  Torillo  1"  shouted  Kenneth,  as  he  too  leaped  to 
his  feet. 

"  My  uncle  I"  cried  Viola,  who  at  this  moment  re- 
vived and  raised  herself  half  up. 

"  De  high  golly,  yere's  a  go  I^'  joined  in  the  negro, 
opening  his  eyes  to  their  fullest  capacity. 


246  Fiola  Hastings;  or, 

The  utterance  of  all  these  varied  expressions  had 
not  occupied  a  minute.  With  lightning  rapidity 
they  had  fallen  from  the  lips  of  those  five  strangely, 
fearfully  situated  beings.  Following  them  was  a 
moment  of  deep  and  intense  silence  ;  and  then  an- 
other vivid  flash  of  lightning,  accompanied  by  a 
deafening  peal  of  heaven^s  artillery,  again  illuminated 
the  whole  scene,  and  revealed  them  all  glaring  waldly, 
though  from  different  emotions,  at  each  other. 

And  all  the  while  the  rain  beat  down  heavily,  and 
the  mad  spirits  of  the  river  yelled  furiously. 

And  all  the  while,  too,  the  boats  were  drifting 
down,  down,  down  towards  the  roaring  dam. 

"  Accursed  heretic,  you  are  foiled  !^'  again  scream- 
ed Torillo.  "  By  the  Holy  Virgin,  you  shall  not  now 
escape  me  I" 

"  Murdering  papist !"  shouted  back  Kenneth,  des- 
perate with  the  exigency  of  his  situation  ;  "  that 
God  who  has  prospered  me  thus  far  will  not  desert 
me  now!'' 

And  then  the  two  men,  with  a  simultaneous  move- 
ment, caught  each  other  by  the  throat. 

"  Quick,  Ferdinand,  seize  the  girl!"  cried  Torillo, 
tightening  his  grasp  upon  Kenneth. 

"  Scipio  !"  shouted  Kenneth,  madly. 

Quick  as  w^as  Ferdinand's  spring  towards  Viola, 
the  watchful  negro  was  by  her  side  first.  Clutching 
his  antagonist  by  the  throat,  Scipio  cried  out — 


The  Triumph  of  Love  cid  Faith,  247 


"  Not  'xactly,you  funnel  tief  I     Fse  yere,  I  is  I" 

Ferdinand  now  seized  hold  of  the  negro,  and  ihusr 
firmly  grappled  together  the  four  men  stood. 

"  Draw,  Ferdinand,  draw  1'^  shouted  Torillo,  furious 
at  the  opposition  which  they  met.  "  Kill  the  ac- 
cursed hounds — kill  them  1" 

The  next  moment  all  four  of  the  men  had  drawn 
their  keen,  glittering  knives  ;  and  for  Kenneth  and 
Scipio  it  was  fortunate  that  Torillo  and  his  son  were 
not  provided  with  weapons  of  a  more  fatal  descrip- 
tion. As  it  was,  they  stood  nearly,  or  quite,  upon 
an  equality. 

And  then  commenced  a  struggle  which  bafiles  all 
description.  All  four  of  the  men  were  athletic  and 
powerful,  and  pretty  equally  matched  as  to  physical 
strength  ;  and,  with  the  exception  of  Scipio,  tolera- 
bly well  versed  in  the  science  of  defence.  And  what 
the  negro  lacked  in  art,  nature  fully  balanced.  For 
a  time  they  tugged,  and  aimed,  and  warded — Ken- 
neth and  Scipio  acting  only  on  the  defensive — with- 
out inflicting  any  injury  on  each  other,  more  than 
some  slight  scratches,  and  without  altering  their 
relative  positions. 

And  still  the  rain  poured  down  ;  and  the  thunder 
bellowed  ;  and  the  red  lightning  flashed,  playing  in 
jets  around  their  polished  and  glittering  blades. 
And  still  the  river  roared,  and  the  boats  floated 
faster  and  faster,  and  nearer  and  nearer,  to  the  wild- 


248  Viola  Hastings;  or^ 

\y  rushing  dam.  And  yet  those  four  men — so  entire- 
ly absorbed  were  they  by  the  rencounter — saw  it  not 
— realized  it  not.  -  The  unbounded  surprise  of  the 
meeting,  together  with  the  events  which  quickly 
followed,  seemed  to  have  driven  from  their  minds  all 
recollection  of  their  position.  And  all  the  while 
Viola  lay  crouched  down  in  the  bow  of  Kenneth's 
boat,  with  breathless  interest,  watching  the  fierce 
struggle.  And  she,  too,  was  so  bound  up  in  the 
conflict  that  she  had  no  thought  for  anything  else. 

And  still  the  fight  continued,  the  men  alternately 
swaying  backwards  and  forwards.  And  while  Fer- 
dinand and  Torillo  cursed  and  blasphemed,  and 
ground  their  teeth  with  impotent  fury,  and  called 
upon  the  Holy  Virgin,  Kenneth  and  Scipio  en- 
couraged each  other  by  many  a  cheering  exclama- 
tion. 

And  still  the  rushing  tide  swept  the  boats  onward, 
onward. 

"  Curses  on  you,  take  that !"  yelled  Torillo,  aiming 
a  powerful  blow  at  Kenneth's  heart. 

"  Not  yet  1  my  hour  has  not  yet  come  I"  responded 
Kenneth,  adroitly  fending  off  the  descending  blow. 

At  the  same  moment  Ferdinand  struck  wildly  at 
the  negro,  shouting  as  he  did  so — 

"  Dog  of  a  slave,  die  !" 

"  Not  'xactly,  you  funnel  willin !"  responded  Scipio, 
receiving  the  blow  aimed  at  his  heart  upon  his  mus- 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  249 


cular  arm.  Then  twisting  his  head  slightly  round 
towards  Kenneth,  he  continued — 

"  Marster  Egaton,  ef  we  don^t  stick  dese  yere  fel- 
lers, dey'll  do  us  some  mischief,  mine  I  tell  ye.'' 

Almost  in  the  same  instant,  Violo — whose  attention 
had  been  for  the  first  time  attracted  ahead — uttered 
a  loud,  piercing,  and  fearful  shriek. 

"  The  dam  !  the  dam  !"  she  cried,  frantically. 

And  there  within,  probably,  fifty  yards  of  them, 
was  the  rushing,  roaring,  tumbling  waters. 

At  the  sound  of  Viola's  voice,  Kenneth  and  Scipio 
turned  their  gaze  down  the  stream.  In  that  un- 
guarded moment,  Torillo  and  Ferdinand,  who  were 
too  intent  upon  the  gratification  of  their  passions  to 
heed  anything  else,  by  a  powerful  and  sudden  move- 
ment, jerked  Viola's  rescuers  from  their  own  boat 
into  the  one  which  they  themselves  occupied. 

The  boat,  relieved  of  the  weight  of  Kenneth  and 
the  negro,  and  now  entirely  freed  from  the  other, 
shot  down  the  stream  with  frightful  velocity. 

Kenneth  and  Scipio  looked  on  astounded  ;  and  so 
intently  were  the  thoughts  of  all  drawn  upon  Viola 
that  they  unconsciously  relaxed  their  grasp  of  each 
other. 

"  Ha  I    ha !   ha  I"  screamed  Torillo,  fearfully  ;   in 

the  gratification  of  his  hatred,  blind  to  his  own  im* 

pending  fate.    "  Accursed  heretic  I"  he  continued, 

turning  towards  Kenneth — "  it  is  your  turn  now." 

11* 


250  Viola  Hastings  ;  or, 

But  the  murderer^s  arm  was  stayed. 

In  that  instant  a  loud  and  fearful  shriek  again  rose 
clear  and  high  above  the  din  of  the  storm,  and  the 
roar  of  the  waters  ;  and  then  a  vivid  flash  of  light- 
ning revealed  Viola  standing  erect  in  the  bow  of  the 
boat,  and  gazing  forward  at  the  dam. 

"  Merciful  Heaven  !  lost  I  lost !  lost  I"  cried  Ken- 
neth, in  tones  of  deadly  agony.  "  But  if  I  cannot 
save  you,  Viola,  I  will  die  with  you !" 

There  was  a  plunge,  and  Kenneth  disappeared  be- 
neath the  rushing  waters. 

"  Well,  it's  'funnel  hard,  but  I  won't  'zert  Marster, 
no  how  I"  cried  Scipio,  plunging  in  after  Kenneth. 

In  that  moment  Torillo  and  Ferdinand  were  sud« 
denly,  and  fully,  aroused  to  a  sense  of  their  great 
danger. 

"  Father  I"  cried  Ferdinand,  in  a  voice  husky  with 
terror,  "  the  dam  I  the  dam  !  We  shall  be  dashed  to 
pieces  over  the  dam  I'' 

"  To  the  oars,  boy,  to  the  oars  1"  returned  Torillo, 
now  white  with  fear.     "  Pull  back !  back  I" 

Notwithstanding  they  pulled  with  all  the  miracu- 
lous strength  of  desperation,  they  made  no  headway 
against  the  onward  rushing  waters  ;  the  tide  near 
the  dam  being  then  too  strong  to  resist.  Down, 
down,  down  went  their  boat,  despite  all  their  efforts 
to  the  contrary. 

As  they  neared  the  dam,  and  became  fully,  though 


The  Triumph  of  Love  %nd  Faith.  251 

anwillingly,  convinced  of  their  inevitable,  unescapa- 
ble  fate,  the  miserable  men,  paralyzed  by  fear,  re- 
laxed all  their  efforts,  and  fell  upon  their  knees,  call- 
ing frantically  upon  the  Holy  Virgin  to  help  them, 
and  save  them.     All,  all  in  vain,  however. 

Kenneth  arose  to  the  surface  of  the  waters  a  con- 
siderable distance  below  where  he  plunged  in  ;  and 
Scipio^s  head  appeared  almost  at  the  same  moment, 
and  nearly  at  the  same  point. 

"  I^se  yere,  Marster  Egaton,  I'se  yere !"  cried  Sci- 
pio,  spurting  the  water  from  his  mouth. 

*'  The  boat,  Scipio,  the  boat  T'  shouted  back  Ken- 
neth.    "  For  God^s  sake,  after  it  I  after  it !" 

Both  Kenneth  and  the  negro  struck  out  vigorous- 
ly, and  aided  by  the  rushing  waters,  they  dashed 
along  at  a  rapid  rate.  In  a  few  seconds  they  touch- 
ed the  stern  of  the  boat,  and  by  a  quick  and  powerful 
effort  succeeded  in  throwing  themselves  into  it.  At 
the  same  instant  a  bright  flash  of  lightning  revealed 
their  position  to  them.  The  boat  was,  for  the  in- 
stant, poised  upon  the  extreme  edge  of  the  dam,  and 
Viola,  the  very  impersonation  of  terror,  was  still 
standing  erect  in  the  bow.  Kenneth  saw  all,  and  he 
shouted  with  wild  volubility, — 

**  Down,  Viola,  down !  Clasp  the  boat  tightly,  and 
hold  on  for  your  life !  Now,  Scipio,  steadily  and 
firmly,"  he  continued  to  the  negro  ;  and  as  he  spoke 


252  Viola  Hastings;  or, 

the  boat  shot  over  the  dam  into  the  boiling  waters 
beneath. 

Just  as  they  went  over,  the  boat  containing  To- 
rillo  and  Ferdinand  shot  to  the  edge  of  the  dam,  re- 
mained for  a  moment  stationary,  and  then  dashed 
over  ;  but  not  being  balanced,  as  the  other  had  been, 
it  was  almost  instantly  engulfed  in  the  foaming  vor- 
tex. 

The  boat  in  which  was  Viola  and  her  preservers 
swayed  and  trembled  violently  with  the  plunge,  in- 
stantly almost  filling  with  water.  For  a  moment  its 
destruction  seemed  inevitable.  But  so  well  had 
Kenneth  and  the  negro  trimmed  the  little  craft  that 
it  finally  shot  clear  of  the  tumbling  waters. 

"  Thank  God,  we  are  safe  !^'  cried  out  Kenneth, 
earnestly.  '^  Dear  Yiola,  are  you  alive  T^  he  con- 
,  tinned,  addressing  the  young  girl. 

There  was  no  answer  ;  and  with  a  quick  beating 
at  the  heart  he  hastened  to  the  bow  of  the  boat, 
where  Viola  lay  buried  in  water. 

"  She  has  fainted,''  he  murmured,  as  he  stooped 
down,  and  felt  her  warm  breath  upon  his  cheek. 
"  What  a  night  for  one  so  tender  T' 

"  But,  Marster  Egaton,  de  boat  am  swamping  1" 
Scipio  exclaimed,  suddenly.  "  Golly,  we  shall  be 
drownded  yet." 

"  I  will  take  the  oars,  which,  fortunately,  are  still 
safe,  and  row  for  the  shore,  while  you  bail,"  respond- 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  253 


ed  Kenneth,  quickly,  at  the  same  time  drawing  up 
the  oars  from  the  bottom  of  the  boat,  and  fixing 
them  in  the  row-locks.  "  Be  lively  now,  and  we  shall 
yet  escape." 

Both  Kenneth  and  Scipio  set  to  work  with  a  will ; 
though  the  latter  had  nothing  but  his  brawny  hands 
with  which  to  scoop  out  the  water. 

Almost  before  the  last  words  had  passed  Ken- 
neth's lips,  an  empty  boat  shot  swiftly  past  them. 

"  Dar  goes  tudder  boat,  Marster  Egaton,"  said 
Scipio. 

"  Yes ;  and  empty,  too,"  responded  Kenneth. 
"  The  miserable  men  have  met  their  fate." 

At  the  same  moment  the  attention  of  Kenneth  and 
Scipio  was  attracted  towards  the  boiling  waters  of 
the  dam.  Two  forms,  which  a  bright  flash  of  light- 
ning revealed  distinctly,  shot  up  suddenly  out  of  the 
water  ;  and  then  two  successive  shrieks  of  the  wildest 
agony  and  terror,  mingled  with  the  din  of  the  storm, 
and  the  roar  of  the  waters.  And  then  they  disap- 
peared, and  were  seen  and  heard  no  more.  It  was 
the  last  dying  effort  of  Torillo,  and  his  son,  Ferdinand. 

"  They  have  perished,"  murmured  Kenneth,  again 
plying  the  oars,  which,  for  a  moment,  he  had  permit- 
ted to  remain  idle.     *'  God  have  mercy  upon  them." 

" De  high  golly,  Marster  Egaton,  didn't  dey  holler?" 
eaid  Scipio,  as  again  he  commenced  to  ladle  out  the 
water. 


254  Vida  Hastings;  or, 

By  hard  and  incessant  labor,  Kenneth  and  Scipio 
managed  at  last  to  bring  the  boat  ashore.  And 
though  themselves  almost  exhausted,  strong  and  mus- 
cular as  they  were,  their  first  thought  was  yet  of 
Viola,  who  still  continued  in  a  state  of  unconscious- 
ness. Lifting  her  gently  and  carefully  from  the  boat, 
they  quickly  bore  her  to  an  Inn,  which,  very  fortu- 
nately, was  not  far  distant.  There  the  proper  reme- 
dies were  applied ;  and  Kenneth  had  soon  the 
unspeakable  pleasure  of  hearing  the  young  girl  utter 
his  name.  And  with  the  knowledge  of  her  safety, 
his  full  heart  overflowed  with  gratitude  and  thanks- 
giving. 

As  may  very  naturally  be  inferred,  the  danger 
which  they  had  escaped  excited  the  most  unbounded 
curiosity,  and  the  warmest  sympathy.  Manifold  were  ^ 
the  questions  with  which  Kenneth  was  taxed,  to  all 
of  which  he  answered — not  deeming  it  either  neces- 
sary or  advisable  to  enter  into  further  particulars — 
that  in  crossing  the  river  they  had  encountered 
another  boat  containing  two  men,  and  both  had  gone 
over  the  dam  about  the  same  time. 

The  following  morning,  Kenneth  and  Viola — the 
latter  being  sufficiently  recovered  to  be  removed — 
accompanied  by  Scipio,  quitted  the  scene  of  their 
thrilling  adventure  ;  and  some  time  after  the  bodies 
of  Torillo  and  Ferdinand  were  washed  ashorp  at  a 
point  considerably  below  the  dam.     A  rumor  of  the 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith  255 

occurrence,  distorted  and  tortured  into  every  con- 
ceivable shape,  soon  spread  throughout  the  city. 
Among  the  first  whose  ear  it  reached  was  Father 
Kenouf ;  and  the  priest  immediately  repaired  to  the 
Dead  House  and  recognized  the  bodies  ;  and  a  few 
days  subsequently  had  them  interred,  with  all  the 
rites  of  the  Church,  in  one  of  the  Catholic  burying 
grounds  of  the  city. 

That  the  affair  bore  a  suspicious  look,  and  called 
for  an  investigation,  was  unquestionable.  Conse- 
quently, Kenneth,  Viola,  and  Scipio,  were  summoned 
before  the  proper  authorities  ;  but  a  calm  and  impar- 
tial examination  of  the  circumstances  immediately 
established  Kenneth's  innocence,  and  secured  the  dis- 
charge of  all  the  parties. 

After  the  death  of  Torillo  and  his  son — there  being 
then  no  direct  heir  to  the  estate — the  domestics 
attached  to  the  old  mansion  disappeared,  and  the 
place  was  shut  up.  Thus  it  remained  for  a  number 
of  years,  and  gradually  but  surely  it  crumbled  away, 
until  it  was  nothing  but  a  mass  of  ruins.  Finally  the 
buildings  were  razed  to  the  ground ;  but  at  whose 
direction  never  transpired.  And  great  was  the  won- 
der which  people  manifested  at  the  numerous  deep 
vaults  that  were  discovered  beneath  the  foundation 
of  the  old  house  ;  and  many  were  the  inquiries  which 
were  made  as  to  what  could  possibly  have  been  their 
design  and  use.    But  many  could  not  tell ;  and  those 


256 


Viola  Hastings;  or, 


who  could,  of  course,  would  not.  And  greater  still 
was  the  wonder  and  the  excitement  when  among  the 
ruins  in  the  vaults  a  quantity  of  human  bones  were 
discovered  ;  and  though  every  possible  inquiry  was 
instituted,  nothing  could,  even  irf  the  remotest  man- 
ner, penetrate  the  mystery.  But  though  nothing 
could  be  proven,  people  had  tteir  thoughts,  and  they 
were  not  backward  in  expressing  them. 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith.  257 


CHAPTER    XXXIII. 

TEN  YEARS  AFTER. — HAPPINESS, — VIOLA  A  WIFE  AND  MOTHER.— 
REMINISCENCES. 

One  more  brief  scene,  reader  ;  and  with  it  we  shall 
conclude  this  eventful  history. 

Some  ten  year^  have  elapsed  since  Viola's  double 
escape,  and  we  would  draw  your  attention  to  a  hand- 
some and  spacious  villa,  situatpd  upon  the  -confines 
of  one  of  the  most  beautiful  inland  towns  in  the  State 
of  Pennsylvania.  Without  and  within,  as  the  visitor 
at  once  acknowledged,  it  displayed  every  evidence 
of  the  wealth,  the  good  taste,  and  the  refinement  of 
its  occupants,  - 

Upon  a  table  in  one  of  the  elegantly  arranged  and 
sumptuously  furnished  apartments,  on  the  lower  floor, 
there  was  a  small  square  glass  case,  containing  a 
dead  bird,  stufi'ed  ;  and  around  the  neck  of  the  bird 
was'  a  dingy  looking  letter,  fastened  by  a  faded 
ribbon. 

It  was  the  twilight  of  a  soft  summer  evening,  and 
standing  before  the  case,  gazing  at  the  bird,  were  two 


258  Viola  Hastings  ;  oVy 


persons.  One  of  these  was  a  negro,  still  in  the  prime 
of  life  ;  and  the  other  a  bright-eyed,  raven-headed 
boy. 

"  Scipio,"  said  the  boy,  addressing  the  negro, 
"  what's  the  reason  papa  leaves  that  dirty  looking 
letter  tied  around  the  bird's  neck  ?  Vm  sure  it  don't 
add  anything  to  the  looks  of  the  beautiful  bird." 

**  Well,  you  see,  Marster  Ken,"  rejoined  our  old  ac- 
quaintance, his  eye  brightening  at  the  recollection, — 
'Mar's  an  inte'sting  story  'nected  wid  dat  bird,  an' 
dat  'pistle." 

"  Is  there  ?"  rejoined  the  boy.  *'  Why  I  never 
heard  it." 

"  Guess  your  farder  fought  you  mos'  too  young, 
Marster  Ken." 

'^  Well,  now,  you  come  sit  down  and  tell  it  to  me  1" 
urged  the  lad,  attempting  to  draw  the  negro  to  a 
seat.  "  Had  papa  and  mamma  anything  to  do  with 
it?" 

"  Dey  had,  fo'  shu,  Marster  Ken.  But  I'd  rudder 
not  tell  you  de  story,  'kase  I  dunno  all  de  'stances  o' 
de  'fair.  Ax  your  farder  and  mudder — p'rhaps  dey 
will  tell  you." 

At  that  moment  the  door  of  the  room  was  opened, 
and  a  gentleman,  in  the  full  flush  of  a  healthy  and 
vigorous  manhood,  with  a  lovely,  gentle  looking  wo- 
man leaning  upon  his  left  arm,  and  a  sweet  young 
girl,  of  siz  or  seven  summers,  in  his  right  hand,  en- 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith,  259 

tered  the  apartment.  It  was  Kenneth  Egerton,  hia 
wife  Yiola,  and  the  youngest  of  their  two  children. 

"  Marster  Ken  want  to  hear  de  story  o'  dat  dar 
bird,"  exclaimed  Scipio,  as  the  party  entered  the 
room  ;  "an'  I  'ferred  him  to  you,  Marster  Egaton,  for 
de  'ticlars." 

"  A  story  about  the  bird  !"  cried  the  womanly  little 
girl  by  Kenneth's  side  ;  "  do  tell  it,  papa." 

Kenneth  bent  his  eyes  first  upon  the  bird ;  and 
from  the  bird  he  looked  to  his  sweet  children  ;  and 
from  his  children  he  turned  his  gaze  down  to  the 
misty,  uplifted  eyes  of  his  lovely  and  loving  wife. 

"  Gratify  them,  dear  Kenneth,"  murmured  Yiola, 
in  low,  soft,  tremulous  tones,  as  a  memory  of  the  long 
past  welled  up  in  her  heart. 

Kenneth  bent  his  head  and  imprinted  a  soft  kiss 
upon  the  brow  of  his  wife  ;  and  then  seating  himself, 
he  drew  Viola  and  the  children  to  his  side,  and  pre- 
pared to  recount  the  thrilling  scenes  of  other  days. 

"  May  I  stay  yere,  Marster  Egaton  ?"  inquired  the 
negro,  eagerly. 

"  Stay !"  responded  Kenneth,  looking  up,  suddenly, 

"  Shu,  Marster  Egaton  1^' 

"  Don't  ask  me  such  a  foolish  question  again,  Sci- 
pio," continued  Kenneth.  "  How  often  have  I  told 
3^ou  that  the  memory  of  the  past  linked  us  together, 
forever.    In  my  house  you  are  a  privileged  character 


2G0  Viola  Hastings  J 


Besides,  what  would  the  story  be  without  you  ?  Sit 
down." 

The  negro  drew  his  huge  hand  across  his  eyes — 
for  kindness  always  touches  the  human  heart — and 
quietly  crouched  down  upon  a  stool  in  a  corner. 

"  Ah,  Scipio,"  said  Viola,  smiling  through  her  tears, 
"  we  can  never  pay  you  the  half  of  what  we  owe 
you." 

"  Well,  nebber  mine  de  pay.  Missus,"  responded 
Scipio,  choking  down  his  emotion.  "  Jest  let  us  hear 
Marster  Egaton  tell  de  story  agin  ;  doe  I  can't  say  as 
Tse  gotten  much  o'  it." 

Why  prolong  "he  happy  scene  ?  When  Kenneth 
finished,  there  were  tears  of  joy  in  the  eyes  of  all. 
Turning  to  his  wife  and  children,  the  husband  and 
father  folded  them  to  his  bosom  in  a  long  and  fervent 
embrace,  and  thank  God!  fell  from  the  trembhng 
lips  of  both  Kenneth  and  Viola. 

A  moment  of  silence  ensued. 

"  Dar,  Marster  Ken,  what  you  tink  o'  dat?"  de- 
manded Scipio,  as  soon  as  the  lad  was  released  from 
the  embrace  of  his  parents. 

"  I  shall  like  the  bird,  now,  more  than  ever,"  re- 
sponded the  boy,  as  he  turned  to  the  case. 

"  So  you  ourt'er,  Marster  Ken.     Dat's  so,  now !" 

"  And  more  than  the  bird,  Scipio,  I  shall  like  you." 

"  Well,  nebber  mind  me,  Marster  Ken.  I'd  do  as 
much  ogin  fo'  Marster  an'  Missus  eny  day.     Dat's  so  I" 


The  Triumph  of  Love  and  Faith,  261 

Upon  this  scene  of  unalloyed  happiness,  patient 
reader,  we  now  drop  the  curtain ;  venturing  the 
hope  that  you  are  each  and  all  well  satisfied  with  the 
fullness  of  joy,  which,  after  her  night  of  darkness, 
lighted  the  pathway  of  Yiola,  the  Jesuit's  Ward. 


